Saving Faith
"People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
The story begins with the disciples of Jesus giving people a hard time for bringing little children to Jesus. Though they had spent much time with the Lord, they still didn't understand Him that well. Jesus was concerned about everybody and not just the religious crowd or those who could understand deeper theology.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
The same thing happens today. Though many spend much time in church and other religious activities, they still don't know Jesus in a deep, intimate, meaningful way. Without this kind of faith, they will not go to heaven. There is a great deal of “head faith” in the world today. This is knowing about Jesus without trusting Him with your life.
should be a wake-up call for many in the church today:
“Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”
Those words will be spoken by Jesus Christ to people who knew about God in their minds and intellects, but did not have a relationship with Him in their hearts. The term ‘knew’ is the same term used in Genesis when “Adam ‘knew’ his wife Eve, and gave birth to a son.” It’s a term of intimacy, love, and devotion; and the best way to describe saving faith through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
Jesus reacted by being indignant. He was upset and somewhat impatient that his own disciples were such slow learners. Are you a slow or faster learner in regards to spiritual matters? Are you growing in your faith or living a stagnant life with no victory? He wants you to grow and you can do that most effectively by studying the Bible daily. God told his disciples to not hinder the children from coming to Him. Believe it or not, many church folks hinder the work of God with their beliefs and attitudes that don't line up with God and scripture. We all need to walk “in the Spirit” instead of “in the flesh”.
The last part of this is critical to understand. It's a matter of life and death, and heaven and hell. Unless we approach God with the humility of attitude as a little child, we can’t be saved, our sins can’t be forgiven, and we will not be granted entrance into heaven.
For those who were blessed with loving parents, do you remember when you would run to your daddy (or mother) when you were scared, lonely, or just needed a hug or some attention? When a thunderstorm roared, you jumped in their lap or hid with them in the closet. When you cut yourself, you ran to your parents to “kiss my boo-boo”. When somebody hurt your feelings in school or the playground, you looked forward to going home where you'd hear how loved you really were.
This attitude is necessary to be saved from your sins. This is a beautiful description of faith; the kind of faith that saves us from an eternity without God. Jesus is real. He is the best "Daddy" ever. If you didn't experience those loving parents, know that God loves you unconditionally. He wants your love more than you can possibly imagine. Feel the love of God today from the depths of your heart. It's the best thing that will ever happen to you! Promise!
