Faith, hope, and love are the three cardinal virtues of the Christian life, and the three greatest evidences of salvation. Faith must always lead to works. It has been said, “We are not saved by faith plus works, but by a faith that works.”

Love is also an evidence of salvation—love for God and people. This love is put in our hearts by the Holy Spirit when we are born again.

The third evidence of salvation is hope, waiting for Jesus Christ to return. The return of Christ is the dominant theme of both Thessalonian letters. Unsaved people are not eagerly awaiting the Lord’s return; in fact, when our Lord catches His church up into the air, unsaved people will be totally surprised.

Faith, hope, and love are evidences of election. These spiritual qualities are bound together and can come only from God. Every Church member should examine his heart to determine whether he or she has truly been born again and belongs to God’s elect.

From God’s Word: “Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have to all the saints. For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel” (Colossians 1:4-5).

Read: James 2:14-20; Romans 5:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; John 14:15.

Action assignment: Talk to God about how you can in a special way show Christian love today.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in