by Robert Fudge

Note: This is the 6th in a series of articles based on 1 John 5;13 where John says "I write these things that you may know you have eternal life." The series was interrupted for the Holidays. There will be at least one (and possibly two) more and the series will be complete.

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

How can we tell if we have real faith in our doctor? I went to a doctor and he told me that my condition required that he do surgery. After consideration, I decided that it was not really necessary and did not have it. On another occasion I went to a doctor and he said that my condition required surgery and I asked how soon it could be scheduled. I then had the surgery as soon as possible. You tell me - in which doctor did I have faith? One definition of faith that can save us is “joyful trust conjoined with obedience.” When I had surgery I demonstrated my faith in the doctor, in his knowledge, his skills and his ability to fix my problem and make me a new person inside. I did not do anything but allow him to do his work. Yet, I did have to take the prep stuff the night before, I did have to submit to several tests (which meant that I had to drive several miles several times) and I did have to be at the hospital on time the day of surgery. I had to make a commitment (that involved my life) and sign it in writing to allow him to do his work. Did I work for my wellness? Of course not, I just trusted the doctor and he did the work.

When I have saving faith in God I allow him to do the work. What I do is follow his instructions. The closer I follow them, the more happily I follow them and the more readily I follow them and this without protest or being forced, the more I demonstrate my faith. Consider Abraham. God told him to offer his only son as a sacrifice. Early the next morning he set out with his son to obey God. When he had built an altar, tied his son and placed him on it and then drew his knife, God said he knew that Abraham truly believed.

When we obey God and live according to his will we can know that we have eternal life. This is not because we are earning it but because we are demonstrating our faith in God. Obedience and faith are not antithetical, they are so intertwined that they are complimentary and interdependent.

Dear Lord, please help my understanding of your will. Help me to trust you so that I can know that I do have eternal life. Help me to live in a way that demonstrates my faith in you. Fill me with your Spirit that my light may shine before others and they will be led to you and glorify you. I pray in Jesus name.

May God bless each of us as we live for him.