Our Hope in Christ JESUS' Faithfulness

    The Word of God commands and encourages all true children of God to be faithful and true to Him as we rest in and follow Christ and His Word – “Moreover it is required in stewards (-believers, true servants of the Lord), that a man be found faithful” (I Corinthians 4:2). It tells us that our faithfulness is a gift of the Holy Spirit and the working of God’s grace and power within us – “Being confident of 
this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ,” (Philippians 1:6). This shows us that the ground of our assurance of salvation and continuing unto final glory is not our faithfulness but HIS faithful to keep His promises given us in and by Christ Jesus. We are totally dependent upon the glorious truth that God promised in the everlasting 
covenant grace to save all whom He has chosen to save and given to Christ – “All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). 

Next, we are totally dependent upon Christ’s faithfulness, as our Surety, Substitute, Redeemer, Intercessor, and Keeper to accomplish the fulfillment of ALL the conditions required to insure our salvation unto final glory – “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith (-faithfulness) of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference” (Romans 3:21-22). “For all the promises of God IN HIM are yea, and IN HIM Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (II Corinthians 1:20). 
 

So, as we who are saved and motivated by God’s grace in Christ to be faithful continually – “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering,” – we need to understand that it is God’s faithfulness to us in Christ that keeps us faithful to Him – “(for HE IS FAITHFUL that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23). Let us who believe and rest in Christ for all salvation proclaim with the prophet – “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS” (Lamentations 3:21-23). 

—preacher Bill Parker