Wandering Crusader #274 Keeping The Faith

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:7

Paul’s valedictory is a staple of funerals and inspirational addresses, within and without the church. This is as it should be. St. Paul remains an inspiration and hero to the faithful worldwide. He was a man of action, traveling the world planting churches as he went. Imprisoned, he wrote.

What does it mean to keep the faith? Christianity is extremely personal, and it would seem that the answer would be different for everyone. In a way, it is. As Peter learned, Christ has a plan for everyone. Being a Christian is a personal contract between us and Christ. His demands are unique to each of us and touch every facet of life. In Christ, there is a diversity with inclusion beyond anything the most fervent social justice warrior can comprehend. The person we are is not lost in Christ; we are complete in Him.

For all that, in keeping the faith, the definite article is essential. My spellchecker disagrees. Nevertheless, there is but one faith. If one knows how faith is acquired, how to keep it becomes clearer. Faith is obtained by belief followed by confession. Believe that by the grace of God, Christ died for all your sins, and was raised from the dead as your Savior. Confess that belief before men.

That is The Faith. No matter what good works you do, or how flawlessly you live, The Faith remains the sole basis for peace with God and entrance into His life. Paul once said that he did not frustrate the grace of God. He did not claim any righteousness but that conferred by The Faith. Yes, he fought a good fight and completed all that he was called upon to do. Nevertheless, he was saved by faith, and he clung to that fact through beatings, shipwreck, stoning, miracles, and fame. Keep the faith is the power that makes us the children of God.

Maranatha