Salvation begins with what we know, believe, trust, and do. This is faith. Romans 10:17 says “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The author of Romans helps us understand that the purest faith will find its source in the word of God- the 66 books of the Bible. Our faith develops as we build up KNOWLEDGE about the character and nature of God, what pleases Him, what promises He made to mankind, what separates us from Him, and the plan He established through Jesus Christ, which enables us to choose life in Him. These are realities you can know, but far more than simple facts. Digging a bit deeper, knowledge of Scripture provides the evidence and reason for us to believe and trust in the word of God. Our BELIEF in the truth of God as it explains critical subjects like Heaven, Hell, morality, purpose, and the other facets of existence helps us have an accurate perspective on life. At the same time, TRUST in what we believe about God’s Word guides us to make choices in our daily living that will please Him. So, it’s the combination of these three components (knowledge/belief/trust) that drive us to confidently DO whatever God commands.

For further study, we would recommend reading Hebrews 11 and explore the strong examples of faith described in that chapter. They were just people like us. Their culture and circumstances might be a little different than ours. However, their pursuit of an active faith will be the same. And the God they choose to honor will be the same. The point is, we must and can develop an ever-growing faith.

So, after our faith starts developing, we can begin considering our own life in relation to God. For most of us, there are probably some aspects of our life we have been living particularly well. Some parts we have not fully considered – that’s okay, we’re learning. Other parts, if we are honest, we are woefully regretful as we realize we have done wrong. It is especially important when we realize the devastating effect of sin (Romans 3:23; 6:23; Isaiah 59:1,2).

Christian growth is the greatest of life-long pursuits, filled with ups and downs, victories and challenges. Just like a seed planted in fertile soil, our faith requires nurturing, watering, and care to flourish into a strong, vibrant relationship with God and His church. As the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” This verse reminds us that our growth in Christ is a continuous process of faithfulness to follow the Will of God, whose Word molds and shapes us, until the day Jesus returns. In fact, God wants us to be spiritually successful and has given us everything we need (2 Peter 1:3) in abundance. In our pursuit of Christian growth, we’re encouraged to press on, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. As Hebrews 12:1 urges us, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” This verse paints a vivid picture of our spiritual journey as a race, requiring endurance and perseverance. Though we may stumble along the way, we’re reminded to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), who empowers and encourages us to keep moving forward and growing in Him. So, let’s embrace the adventure of lifelong Christian growth with joy and anticipation, trusting in God’s faithfulness every step of the way.