Bradley On "Saved Through Faith"

Saved Through Faith 

by 

Lasserre Bradley, Jr. 

(see here highlighting mine)

It Is the Gift of God

This great salvation is by grace and it is though faith. In an effort to interject free will into the process, some say that grace is God’s side of this salvation and faith is man’s side. But the passage plainly declares that faith itself is the gift of God. There is no room for boasting. No one can say, “Here is what I contributed to my salvation. God did his part and I did mine.” No, it is all by grace and God gets all the glory. The faith of which Paul writes is not something which man generates but which God gives. Just as he emphasizes that point in the Ephesian letter we see it also as he writes to the church at Philippi: “For unto you it is given on the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake”(Philippians 1:29).

Observation

Notice that it is gospel or evangelical faith that secures the salvation that grace gives. Grace gives, faith receives. Grace is of God, Faith is of God. It is not some non cognitive "seed substance" or some other illogical thing, but is belief or trust in Jesus. And, that is Old Baptist doctrine.

God-Given Faith Is In Christ

The question may be asked, “What is this faith that God gives?” It is not wishful thinking or religious sincerity. It is not a subjective feeling or some mystical experience of which the individual is not even aware. Faith has an object."

Observation

Well, amen to that! Glad to see brother Bradley preaching the historic faith of the Primitive Baptists founders.

Galatians 3:26 says, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” We read that the gospel is hid to the lost because Satan has blinded their minds (2 Corinthians 4:3-4); consequently the message of Jesus Christ and him crucified is foolish to some and a stumbling block to others. Jesus said, “Ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you” (John 10:26). But there is good news: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me…” (John 10:27).

Observation

I am so glad that Bradley does not follow Loudermilk and others of today's Hardshells who say that "them that are lost" to the gospel are really the regenerate!

Those who are his sheep—those given to him in the covenant by the Father—hear his voice, and they follow him.

And Paul writes, “…unto them which are called, both of Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). When one is called effectually by the Spirit of God he or she is given faith. Now for the man who thought the gospel to be foolish, it all makes sense. It is good news!

Observation

Regeneration makes gospel believers! Can I get an amen on that?

When Peter made a confession of faith in Christ, Jesus made it clear that this truth was made known to his disciple by the Father in heaven: “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus and answered and said unto him; Blessed are thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 16:15-17).

God-Given Faith Overcomes

Faith then involves an acknowledgement of, and an affection for, truth. James tells us that the devils believe, and even tremble (2:19), but their belief is obviously not the vibrant faith which is given of God. A person may embrace the historical facts concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ but still know nothing of true faith.

True faith is never destroyed since it is given by God and maintained by him, but the child of God may still at times struggle with deep doubts.

In moments of weakness, when one is focused on his own unworthiness, anxiety and fears may arise—but faith will overcome! “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Paul describes some who had their faith overthrown by false teachers but then provides these words of comfort, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his…” (2 Timothy 2:19).

Amen! Preach it brother! Preach it now more fervently than ever! Let the stubborn "straight jackets" alone! Preach Jesus to sinners!