What is “the faith?” The word faith is used in different ways in the New Testament. Sometimes it is used subjectively, referring to one’s personal faith. This kind of faith is of the utmost im-portance, seeing that it is necessary for salvation. Jesus said, “I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).

Sometimes the word “faith” is used objectively, in which case it refers to the gospel of Christ. Paul wrote the following words to the churches of Galatia:

Galatians 1:22-23 (ASV)
²² And I was still unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 but they only heard say, He that once persecuted us now preaches the faith of which he once made havoc;

What did Paul preach? In ver. 23 it says that he preached “the faith,” but in ver. 11, Paul said he preached the gospel. “The faith” and “the gospel” are the same. The faith to which we must al-ways stay true is the gospel of Christ, and it encompasses all New Testament teaching.

Are you true to the gospel? I know that the teachings of the New Testament are not popular in many circles today; however, we must not be ashamed of it.

Romans 1:16 (ESV)
¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

In another place, Paul said, “In nothing I shall be ashamed…” (Philippians 1:20). Paul was not ashamed of the sufferings of Christ, the teachings of Christ, or the church of Christ. Can you say that? In a world where most people think that homosexuality is a natural way to express love, will you call it a perversion like the Bible does (Romans 1:26-27)? In a society that scoffs at the notion that we should live our lives according to the unchangeable instructions of the Bible, will you uphold the Word of God as an inspired message that must be followed (1 Timothy 3:16)? Will you stay true to the faith?

What about when it comes to the religious world? Most of it is in error. I wish it was not the case, but most people who are religious have embraced teachings that are not substantiated by the Word of God. I do not have the space in this short blog to list the legions of false doctrines that are, not only advocated by man, but very popular among the average religious person. Doctrinal systems such as Calvinism, Premillennialism, Pentecostalism, etc., are accepted by the majority; nevertheless, they are false systems that contradict the Bible. Are you willing to stand up for the faith and teach the truth? We are exhorted by God to do so.

Jude 1:3 (KJV)
³ Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Most will say, “don’t worry about these doctrinal differences, just believe in Jesus.” Will you listen to them, or will you stay true to the faith?

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.