FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 9:8: That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
The apostle Paul makes a clear distinction between the elect and the non-elect in the nation Israel. “The children of the flesh” are not the children of God. “The children of the promise” are the ones counted for the seed. In Acts 21:20 Dr. Luke tells us, “And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou see’s, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law.” There were in Israel thousands of Jews who turned to Christ after His death and resurrection. They were the elect, and Paul always called them “Israel.” 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12–13
Not your natural birth, not your family heritage, not your church attendance, not your great spiritual achievements, not your sacrificial living, and not even your personal piety. None of these quality you for heaven. Only Jesus can make you ready for heaven by receiving His free gift of eternal life. You must be born of God. So, how do you know if you have been born of God? Do you believe? Have you received?
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
To believe and to receive is to be born into the family of God.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. Galatians 4:28
Dear Father, I am so blessed and so thankful that You have redeemed me in the same way that You redeemed Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In Jesus Name. Amen.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 9-16) (electronic ed., Vol. 43, p. 28). Nashville.
