Day 355

Faith

Read: Hebrews 8-13

The Old Testament had predicted that the old covenant with Israel would pass away and be replaced by a new, better covenant. As Moses was the central person in the old covenant, Jesus is the central figure in the new covenant. He has made a better way possible by which we can come to God with assurance of being accepted. “Therefore . . . let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith . . . Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (10:19-23).

Then more about that faith follows. It is not simply accepting facts with our heads. It is such a trust in the promises of God that it produces action. “By faith Abel offered to God” (11:4). “By faith Abraham obeyed” (v. 8). There were a host of others “who through faith conquered kingdoms . . . stopped the mouths of lions” (vv. 32-33). We are saved by faith in Christ alone, but faith is not just saying we believe; it is acting in accordance with God’s will because we do believe.

We have a host of faithful Old Testament people who witness to us about what faith really means; “therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses . . . let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus” (12:1-2). Have you made a wholehearted commitment to Christ? Are there pressures which are tempting you to back down? Have faith and be faithful!

PRAYER
Father, produce genuine faith in many hearts by the work of your Spirit. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.