There is an urgent need for all faithful to build themselves up stronger in the faith. This pressing need is one that was told to us several times by God, who knows all things, in His Word. We will do well to heed His instruction.
A Blurring of the Dividing Lines
A recent report says that many Christians in America are confused about their faith. According to a study conducted by LifeWay, many American Christians are confused about Jesus' identity as the Uncreated One, salvation by grace alone, the Holy Spirit's person, and the infallibility of the Word of God, among others.
The data they collected was compared to data gathered in earlier years, and it was found that many have their foundations eroded. This shows a sad blurring of the dividing lines between the truth of God's Word and our beliefs in them. We need to work at this and build ourselves up in the faith!
Bible Forecasts
The Bible, written centuries ago, perfectly foretold our need to build a strong faith that's rooted in truth and not just opinion.
First, the Lord Jesus Himself said "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many ... Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:4-5, 9-13)
Second, Paul tells us that "that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!" (2 Timothy 1-6)
Lastly, John also tells us, "I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son." (2 John 1:7-9)
We Need to Build Ourselves in Our Most Holy Faith!
Friends, in light of the world's current events, the sad statistics that show an erosion of the faith among believers, and the not-so-surprising-but-still-saddening stories of persecution of Christians, we need to be eager to build ourselves up in our most holy faith in Christ.
"But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love." (Jude 1:20-21)
