The problem today is that many regard ‘faith’ as just a thought, a mental agreement to certain facts. That is not how the Bible defines the faith that saves. In Romans, the letter that promotes grace, Paul begins and ends by referring to the obedience of faith.21 In Galatians, the letter that defends grace, Paul insists that faith working through love is what matters.22 True faith is active.23 It confesses Jesus as “Lord,” not by words alone, but by doing His will.24 That is the kind of faith that plugs into Jesus, letting Him shine in the true believer.
Some Christians have fallen asleep spiritually. Their minds and hearts are closed. They pay little or no attention to the will of Jesus. Worst of all, they do not even realize their deadly condition.25 If sleepy or dead members truly want Jesus to shine for them, they must repent and take decisive action.26 This is why Scripture speaks to the “sleeper,” requiring him to take the initiative:
…for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:14).
In other words, get out of bed! Get up and reconnect with Jesus. That is the only way to turn on your spiritual light!
22. Galatians 5:6 lit. faith working through love cf. 1 Corinthians 7:19
24. Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46; Titus 1:16
25. Revelation 3:1-2; 1 Corinthians 11:29-30; 1 Timothy 5:6 cf. Matthew 25:5,44