In the last part of this series, we asked, What if God is real? and explored the beginnings of faith. If God is real, how do we live out our faith? Paul offers us a vital reminder in 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 (ESV):
“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.”
Paul’s words highlight something we often miss: faith is both an immediate decision and a lifelong process.
Faith is a Process Called Sanctification
When we believe in Jesus, we are saved instantly. However, salvation is just the beginning. Paul’s phrase “you are being saved” shows that faith is ongoing—a journey of transformation called sanctification.
This process is about becoming more like Christ every day. It’s not something that happens overnight; it’s a continual, intentional walk with God.
A Relationship Made Possible by Jesus
When Christ died on the cross, something extraordinary happened in the temple. Matthew 27:50-51 describes it:
“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”
The curtain separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies—a 4-inch thick, 30-foot high barrier—was torn. Before this moment, only the High Priest could enter God’s presence, and only once a year to atone for sins. But through Christ’s sacrifice, that separation was removed.
Now, we have direct access to God. We don’t need a priest to intercede for us—we can have a personal relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Building a Relationship With God
You might wonder, How can I have a relationship with someone I can’t see? It’s a fair question. Here are two simple steps to start building that relationship:
1. Read the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word, and through it, we get to know who He is. Many suggest starting with the book of John, but reading all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) offers a fuller picture of Jesus and God’s heart for humanity.
2. Pray Without Ceasing
Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray continually. Prayer is how we communicate with God, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
When I first started praying, I spent a lot of time asking God for things. Over time, my prayers became conversations. I began to sense God speaking back to me, often through feelings of peace or clarity. Prayer transitioned from a ritual to a relationship.
If you’re unsure how to start, Jesus gives us a guide in Matthew 6:9-13:
“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’”
This prayer teaches us to honor God, seek His will, depend on Him, and trust Him for guidance and forgiveness.
Think of It Like Marriage
A relationship with God is a lot like a marriage. Imagine asking someone to marry you, then never speaking to them again after the wedding. That relationship wouldn’t last.
The same principle applies to our faith. We need to communicate with God regularly—not just in moments of crisis. Through daily conversations (prayer) and intentional time together (reading His Word), our relationship with Him grows deeper and more meaningful.
Faith is Ongoing
God knows your thoughts, your fears, and your needs even before you speak them. But He still wants to hear from you. He longs for a relationship with you—one where you can share everything and trust Him with your life.
If you’ve been wondering how to take the next step in your faith journey, start small. Read His Word. Talk to Him in prayer. Over time, you’ll find that this relationship is not only real but transformative.
Let’s continue this journey of faith, one step at a time.
