What I mean by a positive religion is having a confident belief in the promises of God. We can stand on the promises of God, and the only thing that can stop us from doing so is a lack of faith. It is imperative that we believe our beliefs. There are major teachings in the Word of God that some Christians believe in theory, but not in real life. Let me give you a couple of examples.

We would all say that we believe in prayer. However, do we really? Prayer is one of the best weapons that we have in our fight against the devil. When Paul admonished us to put on the whole armor of God, he concluded by saying, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication…” (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is so important that I am not sure we can completely stave off the attacks of Satan without it. However, the only way that prayer will be effective, is if we pray with faith. James made this truth clear.

James 1:5-6 (ESV)
⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Do we do this when we pray? Do we pray without doubting? Do we believe our beliefs? Our belief is that God hears and answers our prayers. So, do you believe that? We must have a religion that trust in God and believes in His Word positively. If this is true concerning prayer, we will demonstrate it by praying regularly without doubting.

Let me give you another example. If we believe our beliefs, we will trust God to save us if we continue to walk in the light. The consistent teaching of the New Testament is that we have eternal life right now. Our beliefs should rest on the Word of God, and listen to what God’s Word says about eternal life.

1 John 2:25 (ESV)
²⁵ And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.

1 John 5:11 (ESV)
¹¹ And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:12 (ESV)
¹² Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

This is the promise that God have given to all of us who are Christians. We must continue to be faithful (Revelation 2:10), and if we are, we have eternal life. Do you believe this truth? Paul believed it. He said that in Christ we are in a state of no condemnation (Romans 8:1). Paul wrote this by inspiration. It was not just his opinion. It was not some kind of emotional outburst. Paul was revealing God’s Word to us. The question is do we believe our beliefs?

What kind of religion do you have? Is your religion full of doubt or do you have a religion that positively believes in God and His promises? God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). Let us have confidence in every promise that he gives us and rejoice in His goodness and grace.

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