Saving faith involves the mind, the emotions, and the will. With the mind we understand the truth of the Gospel, and with the heart we feel conviction and the need to be saved. But it is only when we exercise the will and commit ourselves to Christ that the process is complete. Faith is not mental assent to a body of doctrines, no matter how true those doctrines may be. Faith is not emotional concern. Faith is commitment to Jesus Christ.

When missionary John G. Paton was translating the Bible in the Outer Hebrides, he searched for the exact word to translate believe. Finally, he discovered it: the word meant “lean your whole weight upon.” That is what saving faith is—leaning your whole weight upon Jesus Christ.

The false teachers who had come to Colossae tried to undermine the saints’ faith in Christ and the Word. This same kind of undermining goes on today. Any religious teaching that dethrones Jesus Christ, or that makes salvation other than an experience of God’s grace through faith, is anti-Christian and born of Satan.

Verse for today: “Rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:7).

Also read: Colossians 2:3-10; Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 5:1-2.

Action assignment: Examine your commitment to Jesus Christ. Are you leaning your whole weight (your mind, emotions and will) upon Him? If so, thank Him for the great privileges you have as a Christian. The daily study of His Word gives assurance
and encourages growth so that faith becomes steadfast and established.