Faith actively receives God’s blessings. Mental affirmation that does not receive is not saving faith. For example, the Bible teaches that even the demons know and acknowledge that Jesus is the Messiah. (James 2:19, Mark 3:11-12, Luke 4:41)
Knowing, agreeing, and even confessing Jesus’ identity as Messiah is not sufficient to save a person, unless it includes receiving by faith what Jesus accomplished on our behalf and provides to those who trust and follow him.
If I offer a $100 bill by extending it toward a person, if they want it to become theirs, they will need to extend their hand to receive it. God is extending his promises to us and we are expected to receive them by faith. Jesus said that those who ask will receive. Asking is an act of faith.
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22 (ESV)
The Holy Spirit reveals to us what God has freely given to us in Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:12) Those with faith will ask for and receive what God has provided. Those who ask not seldom receive; although, sometimes in his mercy God gives to those who do not even ask. (Romans 10:20)
Failing to believe God’s promises results in our failure to ask, which leads to failing to receive.
It is really quite simple. Faith takes God’s promises seriously, asks God for what he freely offers, and receives.
The most basic and fundamental “believe, ask, and receive” connects us to what Jesus did for us on the cross and through his resurrection. The gospel offers us the opportunity to be forgiven, reconciled to God, and made God’s forever children. Those who believe the gospel will receive what it offers, namely Christ himself.
He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, John 1:11-12 (ESV)
Those who believe the gospel ask for and receive the promises, which are all found in Christ. They are born again and experience the reality of a new life in Christ. Those who merely intellectually acknowledge the reality of God and his Christ without asking for and receiving the promises of the gospel remain outside God’s family. It’s not how smart we are. It’s how open we are to God. Even little children are able to believe and receive from God.
Prayer
Jesus, I now realize that I need to actively receive what you offer to me. I receive you and your promises. Thank you for coming into my life. Thank you for dying for my sins. I acknowledge that you rose from the dead and are Lord of Lords. I surrender my life to you by faith. Come, Holy Spirit, fill me to overflowing. Live through me. Make me into a bold witness, a fervent worshiper, and a loving servant. Amen
