There is a verse of Scripture that we might use to test our level of ‘belief’ in Yahushua. Perhaps the apostle James had this test in mind when he wrote the words:
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (James 2:19)
In the above verse, we are told that the devils, or satan and his demons, believe the facts. When we read the details of Scripture, and when we look back at history, we can see and understand many facts that are true.
The devils also believe, in that they know all these facts. That is why they tremble, because they know the facts.
In order to test our level of belief in Yahushua, we must find the point where our ‘belief’ goes beyond what the devils believe.
So let’s begin by looking at some of the basic facts that make up the true Faith:
- There is one God — one Mighty One, who is Yahuweh, the Creator.
- Yahushua is the Son of Yahuweh.
- Yahushua died on the stake (cross) and shed His Blood, to pay the price for the sins of everyone who believes in Him.
- Yahushua was resurrected from the dead, and ascended into heaven.
- God gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Do you believe the above, simple facts of Scripture, and of history? You do well, according to James. The devils also believe the above facts, and they tremble.
The devils know all the facts — that Yahushua was crucified, died, buried, and rose again on the third day.
How is our faith any different from that of the devils?
Notice the other half of what James said:
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:20)
Here James gives us part of the answer, of how true Faith differs from that of the devils. The devils’ faith is without works. It is dead. But James tells us what the true Faith is:
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:… But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:23,25)
Here James reveals that to ‘believe’ in Yahushua unto eternal life is to be a “DO-er” of Yahushua’s words. The difference lies in the fact that the devils are not “DO-ers” of the words of Yahushua.
Have we yet become “DO-ers” of Yahushua’s words — even those words He gave to Moses, found written in the perfect Law of Liberty? For example, Yahushua has told His people (including Gentiles grafted-in by faith in Messiah) to keep His ‘moedim’ — His Appointed Times — His Festivals (See Lev 23:1-44).
As His redeemed people, are we preparing to “watch” [keep, observe, guard, and preserve the 'doing' of] His upcoming Festivals? Our participation in His Festivals is a part of the sign or signet — the ‘owth’ — [sign, token, or seal] He has given to us, applied by the Holy Spirit, to signify, or mark out, those who know Him (Exodus 31:13; Ezekiel 20:12,20).
Yahushua and His Disciples participated in His Festivals, and they are for our example! (Luke 22:11; Acts 18:21; 1Co 5:8; 1Co 11:1; Php 3:17; 1Jo 2:6).
Do we ‘believe’ in Yahushua more than the devils do?
The keeping or doing of Yahushua’s Words marks the point of departure of true Faith, beyond what the devils believe.
Those who will be among the Wise Virgins are actively preparing themselves, and are beginning to walk in obedience, in ways they have not known (Josh 3:4; Isa 42:16, 43:19).
Let us begin to put feet to our Faith.
Let us begin to truly ‘believe’ in Yahushua!
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