The work of faith

It was a heavy conversation. Jesus pointed out why the crowds were chasing after him. They wanted to fill their stomachs at no cost. Jesus told them “the truth of the matter.”

He revealed their true motivations. They really didn’t want what he promised to “give” to them. Because the Father’s “seal of approval” was on the Son of Man. (Read John 6.25-27.) They didn’t want that seal of approval, but their own.

The context contrasts what the people think they need to do and what the Lord determines they must do. He sums it up nicely:

Jesus answered them, “This is God’s work ─ you must commit yourselves to the one whom God sent!” John 6.29 IEB.

In his response, Jesus uses the term “work” to show that, without faith in his person, nothing is worth anything before God. It is the “work” that God requires. The Jews thought of a plurality of “works”; Jesus, of just one.

(1) We must believe that God sent Jesus for our salvation, through the mercy, grace, love and determination of the Father. His sacrifice is sufficient, his blood the only purification, his suffering the complete price to satisfy divine wrath.

(2) We must believe as a condition for receiving eternal life, v. 40. This is God’s will. His plan demands our decision. Salvation is not automatic, nor universal. There is something that must be done. Faith is a doing. The Philippian jailor asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul’s answer: “Believe in the Lord Jesus” Acts 16.29-30.

(3) Believing in Christ is more than assent. As the IEB’s translation reflects, it is total surrender to the Man of God. We must believe as an act of surrender to the divine offer, giving up our ideas and projects. We invent so many devices, theologies, theories, works, and distinctions. Jesus wants to give us eternal life, v. 27. We want to deserve something before God. We want to prove ourselves worthy. We want innovation and originality, but God wants strict faithfulness and complete obedience.

Do you believe this? Do you believe in him?

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J. Randal Matheny

Randal and his wife Vicki have lived and worked in Brazil since 1984. He is one of God's little ones. He seeks to speak the truth simply and lovingly. Comments at this link.

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