Faith in Christ is a Pure Gift
Saturday’s Verse:
From Philippians 1:29 ESV
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake”
Faith in Christ is a pure gift. We do not climb our way up to God by strength of will or moral effort; the Holy Spirit creates faith where and when He pleases through the Gospel. Even the trust we place in Christ is something God graciously gives.
But Paul adds something surprising: suffering for Christ is also part of the gift. That does not mean pain is good in itself. Rather, when Christians endure hardship for Christ’s name, they are joined to Him more deeply, sharing in His cross before they share in His glory.
For Lutherans, this verse reminds us that the Christian life is lived under the cross. We are not promised an easy path, but we are promised that Christ is with us, sustaining us by His Word and Sacraments. The same Lord who gives faith also gives the strength to remain steadfast when that faith is tested.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us faith in You. When suffering comes for Your sake, keep us faithful, comfort us with Your promises, and help us to rejoice that we belong to You. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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