A Plain Answer to an Important Inquiry

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John 6:28-29

Then said they to him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?…

I. FAITH IS THE COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY OF ALL TRUE WORK.

1. There lies within it every form of holiness, as a forest may lie within an acorn. It may be microscopic in form, but it only wants development.

2. All the graces come out of faith (see Hebrews 11.).

II. FAITH IS IN ITSELF MOST PLEASING TO GOD. Because —

1. It is the creature acknowledging its God. The man who says my own good deeds will save me sets himself up in independency of God. But when a man submits himself to God's way of salvation, the rebellious heart submits to the Divine authority, and the poor erring creature comes into its right place.

2. It accepts God's way of reconciliation. It thus shows a deference to God's wisdom, and confidence in His love, and yielding to His will.

3. It puts honour on Christ whom the Father dearly loves. That which dishonours Christ must be obnoxious to God.

4. It puts us in a right relationship with God, i.e. —

(1)  A relationship of dependence;

(2)  of child- like rest.

III. FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. IS THE TEST OF WORKING FOR GOD.

1. Without faith the spirit of work is wrong. Suppose you said to me, "I will spend my life in your service, but I am not going to believe what you say." All that you do must be destitute of real excellent because you begin by malting God a liar in not trusting Him (1 John 5:10).

2. Without faith the motive of work fails and becomes selfish; whereas faith aims at God's glory.

IV. FAITH IS THE SEAL OF ALL OTHER BLESSINGS.

1. Of our election (ver. 37). If you believe in Christ you are one that the Father hath given Him.

2. Of our effectual calling. If you believe the Father hath drawn you to Christ.

3. Of our final perseverance (ver. 47).

4. Of our resurrection (ver. 39, 49),

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