Living Faith: Anchored in Christ
Many people ask, “Are you saved?”
But that question ultimately points us back to Christ’s finished work on the cross — and His work cannot be questioned.
Salvation is secure because it rests entirely on Jesus Christ. He has finished the work. The cross was sufficient. The resurrection confirmed it. The throne declares it.
The deeper question, then, is not about Christ’s work.
The deeper question is:
Is our faith alive and genuine?
Salvation Is Christ Alone
Jesus has already accomplished salvation.
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
He died.
He rose.
He reigns.
We do not save ourselves. We do not maintain salvation by our own strength. We are not the foundation — Christ is.
Scripture makes it clear:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)
Salvation belongs to the Lord. It rests fully on His obedience, not ours. His righteousness, not ours. His faithfulness, not ours.
This is why assurance is possible.
But here is where clarity is needed:
Salvation is secure in Christ —
but not every profession of faith is genuine faith.
Why We Must Test Our Faith
This is why Scripture calls us to examine ourselves.
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Why?
Because Jesus Himself gave a sobering warning:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
There are two categories of people:
Those who say “Lord, Lord” — but do not enter.
Those who truly call upon the name of the Lord — and are saved.
Scripture also says:
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
Both groups appear to call Him Lord.
But only one group possesses living faith.
The difference is not in Christ’s work.
The difference is in the authenticity of faith.
Salvation in Jesus is clear and certain.
But our faith — that must be tested.
Testing faith is not about doubting Christ.
It is about discerning the condition of our own hearts.
Living Faith vs. Empty Profession
True faith produces fruit.
Jesus said:
“You will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16)
A genuine relationship with Christ results in:
Obedience
Love
Repentance
Perseverance
Not perfection — but direction.
False faith may sound spiritual. It may use the right words. It may even perform religious actions.
But Jesus continued in Matthew 7:
“Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name…?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you.’” (Matthew 7:22–23)
Notice the issue was not activity — it was relationship.
“I never knew you.”
That is the heart of the matter.
Faith is not mere belief about Jesus.
It is trust in Jesus that transforms life.
Faith and Works: Evidence, Not Payment
This leads to the natural tension:
Are we saved by faith alone?
Yes — salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.
But the faith that saves is never alone.
James writes:
“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)
Works do not earn salvation.
Works reveal salvation.
A tree does not produce fruit to become alive.
It produces fruit because it is alive.
This is why Ephesians 2 continues:
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Grace saves us.
Faith receives it.
Works demonstrate it.
Refinement Through Testing
Faith will be tested.
Peter writes:
“So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:7)
Testing is not condemnation.
It is refinement.
Trials reveal weakness — not to shame us, but to strengthen us. Even when our faith feels fragile, Christ remains faithful:
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful.” (2 Timothy 2:13)
Living Faith in Daily Life
So what does living faith look like?
Not perfection — but surrender.
Read the Word
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable…” (2 Timothy 3:16)
The Word shapes us, corrects us, and anchors us in truth.
Pray Continually
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Prayer keeps our hearts aligned with God.
Obey from the Heart
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
Obedience is love in action.
Remain in Christ
“Abide in Me… Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” (John 15:4–5)
Abiding produces fruit. Striving does not.
The Call
So let us test our faith — not to live in fear, but to walk in truth.
Salvation is clear in Jesus Christ.
His work is complete.
His grace is sufficient.
But we must ask:
Is our faith alive?
Is it transforming us?
Do we know Him — and does our life reflect that relationship?
Let us not be those who merely say “Lord, Lord.”
Let us be those who truly call upon His name — with hearts surrendered and lives aligned.
Not a perfect life — but a faithful one.
Anchored in Christ.
Guided by His Word.
Refined by His Spirit.
Read your Bible.
Pray.
Obey.
Abide.
And let your faith be genuine — alive, tested, and rooted in Jesus.
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