by Toni Babcock 
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him,” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).
There is a distinction between slavish fear and saving faith, and prideful effort and gospel rest. A fear-based approach to God says “What good thing must I do to please God, and avoid judgment?” A faith-based approach says “I can’t do anything good without God, but I trust the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus I have the power to do what pleases Him.
There are no kingdom promises in the Bible for those who operate outside of faith—but there is the promise of the gospel for those who believe in Jesus. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, and rose victorious so we could come into a faith-based relationship with God, not a fear-based relationship. Because of the cross and the empty tomb, Christ holds the power to fill our hearts and make us what we ought to be.
If you’re unsure about your standing with God, trust in Jesus to dispel your fear and wash away your guilt no matter how great or small you perceive it to be, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23). Invite Jesus to fill your heart with His life giving Spirit. His life is the true power of the gospel.
Copyright 2022. Toni Babcock is author of Reflections from the Heart in Light of the Gospel of Jesus, and The Stone Writer, Christian Fiction for Young Readers and Teens. Many of her devotionals have been featured on www.faithwriters.com.
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