Faith- Exploring the foundational level and understanding what it contains
In our exploration, we will delve into the deep significance of this reconciliation and its impact on how we understand faith. The initial stage of our faith involves three key understandings: Mercy, Love, and Grace. I will thoroughly discuss each of these aspects, shedding light on their individual significance within the context of our ongoing faith journey.
The redemption of mankind is a merciful act from God. Despite being a Holy and just God, He could have chosen to destroy mankind and start anew. However, out of His love for us, He extends mercy. This is demonstrated through the payment for our sins, satisfying His just nature, and remaining faithful.
When we first surrender our lives to Jesus and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, the love we experience is so fresh and intense that we're willing to make sacrifices, even if we feel we lack the strength to do so. I want you to revisit the moment when you initially accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, reconnect with the emotions you felt at that time, and hold on to them. We will draw upon those emotions later on.
As a child, I was raised with a deep sense of love for God that has been ingrained in me for as long as I can remember. The pivotal moment when I formally dedicated my life to God was around the age of 11 or 12 when I was attending a boarding school. I found myself in an environment where it seemed like everyone disliked me. I was distinctly different – in speech, mentality, and overall demeanor. Despite the challenges, I had an inherent resilience and strength within me.
During this time, I crossed paths with a girl a few years older than me, two sets ahead in school. She observed the difficulties I was facing, reached out to me, and introduced me to the teachings of Jesus. Despite already having knowledge of Him, our connection led to a profound moment where I willingly gave my life to Jesus. This marked the first time I chose to serve God wholeheartedly, without any external pressure.
Unfortunately, I experienced a period of backsliding when I ventured into the realm of being a typical teenager. Despite having led a sheltered life with limited freedom, I made a promise to God that when I felt prepared, I would worship Him wholeheartedly. I firmly believed in doing things correctly or not doing them at all, especially when it came to matters of faith. Although I entered a phase of normalcy, I maintained my godly morals and continued to harbor a healthy reverence for God. I share my story to evoke the emotions tied to when you first experienced salvation and the reasons behind accepting Jesus.
Christian faith, or biblical faith, is intricately tied to three processes: Mercy, Love, and Grace, as mentioned earlier in the blog. This sequence unfolds precisely in that order. Every individual who genuinely accepts Jesus wholeheartedly goes through this transformative process to varying degrees.
The journey of faith begins with God's mercy, actively seeking us regardless of our pursuit or deserving. It's essential to acknowledge that nobody inherently deserves this mercy. In this early stage, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by sins, seemingly lost in the eyes of God. Some may reach out to Him for help, and God, fully aware of our flaws, responds with mercy. This merciful response leads us to salvation, evoking remorse and prompting us to seek His guidance. Learning about salvation through Jesus Christ, our Savior, shows us that mercy reached us despite our mistakes (Ephesians 2:4-5, Romans 5:8). This deepens our gratitude for God's mercy and goodness. During this stage, we may find ourselves acting recklessly, solely focused on our own desires and needs. However, we are deeply thankful for God's mercy and forgiveness. In this phase, our mindset is centered on self-interest—what "I" want. He extends His assistance when we seek His help, guiding us toward experiencing His goodness and power. However, our understanding of God remains incomplete; we primarily recognize His benevolence rather than comprehending Him fully.
Following that, we progress to the second stage of our faith journey. Here, we encounter the profound love of God and gain a deeper understanding of the exchange made possible through the blood of Jesus. It becomes clear that salvation is not just a means to escape judgment (hell) but an invitation to cultivate a meaningful relationship with God, as emphasized in John 3:16. During this phase, a genuine love for God emerges, prompting us to contemplate what God desires from this relationship. Recognizing that engaging in a faithful relationship with Him is a sensible commitment, we shift from a stage of Mercy marked by recklessness and self-interest—what "I" want to a devoted adherence to God's commandments. This phase of faith seeks to establish fidelity in our relationship with God, deepening our understanding of His covenant and empowering us to approach His throne of grace with confidence, seeking mercy.
Following that, you move on to the third stage—Grace. In this phase, you gain knowledge and firsthand experience of God, acknowledging His benevolence. Recognizing ourselves as joint heirs with God (Romans 8:17), we are empowered with the authority to operate in His power and witness the manifestation of Christ within us. This stage marks the point where you confidently begin to utilize the authority bestowed upon us by Jesus. It signifies your growing comprehension of the rules of engagement and your understanding of God's commitment to you.
In the stage of Grace, unwavering adherence to God's commandments results in a continual experience of His love, mercy, and grace, marking the initial phases of our journey in experiencing life with God. Through this experience, we come to understand God's steadfast commitment, cultivating a faithful relationship with Him, and it is from this profound encounter that our priesthood is born. Unfortunately, many believers get stuck in the grace phase, struggling to establish the priesthood due to life challenges, complacency, or compromise, hindering its development.
Take a moment to think back to the emotions you experienced when you first accepted Jesus. Reflect on the question: Why did you accept Jesus? Connect that emotion and your answer to the insights on Mercy, Love, and Grace that I've shared in this blog. After making this connection, ask yourself another question: Where do you currently stand in this phase of faith? Is it in Mercy, Love, or Grace? Ask the Holy Spirit to unveil the truth and help you grow in Your faith.
For individuals in the Grace phase, acknowledging the birth of your priesthood requires a transformative shift. In this phase, one's personal will no longer take precedence; instead, life becomes centered around aligning with God's will. God assumes lordship over one's life during this significant transition. I suggest delving into my recent blog posts titled "Priesthood" and "What are Altars?" to guide and introduce you to this transformative journey into your priesthood.
For those who feel trapped in the Mercy or Love stage, I encourage you to actively seek God's assistance for a complete experience of His presence. It's crucial not to miss out on the freedom and spiritual abundance that come where the spirit of the Lord dwells (2 Corinthians 3:17). Keep in mind, that God didn't save us merely for a good life, but to fulfill His divine will. By aligning with His purpose through obedience, you automatically unlock the fulfillment of every promise found in scripture (Matthew 6:33). Your journey with God is not just about existing but thriving in His abundant and purposeful plan for your life.
Cultivating a prayer life is of paramount importance for your spiritual journey, particularly in a fast-paced society where allocating exclusive time for prayer can be challenging. The solution is clear: "Simply Prayer for Our Daily Journey," a scripture-enriched prayer book designed for all aspects of life. Additionally, pair it with a Faith-building scripture book to assist you in persevering through the waiting time on God’s promises and strengthening your faith. However, it's essential to note that this prayer book doesn't replace genuine, quality time with God; you must spend dedicated time with Him.
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