FAITHFUL

There is no need to define the word "faithful" because everyone knows what it means. It appears 82 times in 78 verses of the Bible. In the 54 times it appears in the New Testament it is used in regard to Christ's faithfulness to His Father and to the "sheep," and the "sheep's" faithfulness to their Shepherd. There can be no doubt as our Lord's faithfulness to His people. Those whom are His, experience this every day. But we have a greater proof than that of our experiences. We have His Word! He is perfectly and always faithful. "He shall not fail nor be discouraged..." Is. 42:4. "...Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness... " Rev. 1: 5. Now, what about the other side of the coin? Are His people faithful? Are there Christians (real Christians) who are not faithful? The question is not "do they sin?" or "are they perfect in the flesh as their Lord is perfect?" Yes! His people are faithful. No! There are no Christians who are unfaithful. The true child of God's life proves it. This is not only my personal view based upon observation. This is the judgment of the Holy Writ. "No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" Luke 16:13. The title of the believer renders the same truth, "The faithful in Christ Jesus" Eph. 1:1. The foundation of this truth is based upon HIS faithfulness: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" Phil. 1:6. The Object of the believer's faith is Christ, "Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith... " Heb. 12:2. The believer's life is a life of faith, "The just shall live by faith... " Rom. 1:17. And it is the he who is faithful unto His Lord that receives a crown of life, "be thou faithful unto death, and I evil give thee a crown of life" Rev. 2:10. The idea that some of Christ's sheep live an unfaithful life, is the invention of unconverted preachers to make false professors feel comfortable in their licentiousness. To insinuate God has a people He has called to faith in His Son, and they yet remain unfaithful, is to deny God's faithfulness to His people. The title "Christian" identifies a faithful people.

- Tommy