FACT, FAITH AND FEELING
“Now, I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which you are saved.”
I Corinthians 15:1-2a.
It is important that these three vital components of our Christian experience be kept in the proper order: fact, faith, then feeling.
I Believing the facts: "After that He appeared to Peter, then to the other apostles. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, He appeared to me also." I Corinthians 15:5-8.
The great truths of the Gospel are confirmed facts of history: His virgin birth; His sinless nature; His atoning death; His bodily resurrection and His ascension back to heaven.
II Professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ:
"The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus [literally: "Jesus as Lord"] and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:8-10.
III Experiencing the feeling:
"Who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, but believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory." I Peter 1:5-8.
And the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ." Philippians 4:17.
"…the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given unto us." Romans 5:5.
