Many believe in a general way the doctrines of the Gospel as they believe other things they read, but such credence brings no salvation to the soul. Faith is a personal reliance on Jesus Christ, confessing Him as "the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:2020I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20).
It is a personal decision to receive Him as mine, whom God has given to the whole world to be the Savior.
The moment a sinner makes this personal choice, saying 'Christ for me,' thus receiving Him definitely and decidedly as Redeemer, Savior and Lord, God answers that faith by making the believing sinner His child. There is nothing clearer or surer than this revealed in the Bible.
"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name, which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, BUT OF GOD." John 1:12, 1312But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12‑13).
Yes, "Born of God," then and there accepted and owned His children, no longer strangers, but of the "household of God.”
Reader, have you ever definitely and decisively accepted the Christ of God to be your personal Savior? If not, will you do so now, just as and where you are, saying to God "CHRIST FOR ME.”
This is not making a mere resolution: that would be of very little value. It would only be another effort of self to do something toward salvation, and like all other such efforts it would surely fail. But to accept Christ as Savior, Deliverer, Lord, and Keeper, in all of which aspects He is presented to sinners in the Gospel is to put yourself into vital touch and living union with One who is mighty to save. That marks the difference between human efforts to obtain salvation and a personal trust in Another to do all for you. This is faith.