The Bible mentions an important phrase – “the faith of Jesus” – in Revelation 14:12:
“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
What does it mean to have faith in our Lord Jesus?
The faith of Jesus was victorious
In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus prays for Simon Peter and the other disciples before his crucifixion. He tells Peter:
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.”
Jesus prayed for His disciples to have unwavering faith that would endure Satan’s attacks. This shows how vitally important faith is in spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness. Jesus Himself endured severe trials and tests of faith during His ministry on earth. But He perfectly exemplified a faith that did not fail amidst persecution.
This is why Hebrews 12:2 calls Jesus the “author and finisher of our faith.” By His teachings and life example, Jesus originated faith and carried it to completion, showing us how to walk by faith.
The faith of Jesus enables obedience
God’s everlasting gospel calls all people on earth to fear, glorify and worship the Creator as described in Revelation 14:6-7. This requires faithful obedience to God’s commandments comprising His law of love.
Revelation highlights that those who keep God’s commandments will also manifest the faith of Jesus. This verse reveals an important connection between obedience and faith:
Faith is the motivational power behind obedience.
It is not enough to simply avoid wrong actions through self-will and effort. Lasting obedience springs from a heart of love, trust and devotion to God. This faith enables us to joyfully follow God’s precepts as a natural response.
The faith of Jesus is the faith which works through love and purifies our hearts, as Galatians 5:6 states. It sustains consistent obedience despite trials or lack of feelings. This unwavering faith of Jesus is what we need.
Contrast of two groups
Revelation 14 outlines the character of two groups of people – those who manifest the faith of Jesus through obedience on one hand, and the followers of the Beast power disobeying God’s laws, on the other.
The faithful ones
Regarding those who exemplify the faith of Jesus and keep God’s commandments, Revelation says:
- They are redeemed as firstfruits for God’s kingdom (verse 4)
- No guile is found in their mouth (verse 5)
- They faithfully give the three angels’ messages to prepare people for Christ’s return (verses 6-13)
The unfaithful ones
In contrast, regarding those who disobey God’s commandments and receive the mark of the beast, the chapter says:
- They worship the beast and his image (verses 9,11)
- They face God’s undiluted wrath and have no rest (verses 10-11)
What a contrast between these two groups! One perfectly reflects Jesus’ character of unwavering faith and obedience by God’s power. The other fails to develop an authentic, loving relationship with Christ and disobeys the Creator.
Developing the faith of Jesus
God invites us to receive the gift of salvation in Jesus and become spiritually “reborn” when we believe in Him (John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:17). As we continue our walk with Christ, His perfect faith takes deeper root in our lives. This happens through the work of the Holy Spirit who transforms us into Christ’s image as we cooperate fully.
We can nurture the faith of Jesus practically in the following ways:
- Prayer: Talking intimately to God, interceding for others and claiming Bible promises
- Bible study: Learning God’s character and trusting His faithfulness
- Obedience: Putting God’s Word into practice through the power of the Spirit
- Gratitude: Thanking God continually for blessings and walking in joy
- Spiritual fellowship: Supporting each other with other believers
When nurtured through such spiritual exercises, our faith grows mature. We increasingly reveal the beautiful faith of Jesus that sustains unwavering obedience through every trial. Even when we cannot trace God’s ways, we learn to fully trust His will. This faith triumphs over self and the world, no matter the cost!
Conclusion
The faith of Jesus is the victorious, overcoming faith we need to steadfastly obey God and prepare for Jesus’ return. Now is time to pray like the disciples, “Lord, increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). As we cooperate, the Holy Spirit develops Christlike faith within us.
Jesus beautifully assures us in John 16:33:
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.“
May this promise give us courage to walk in the victory of Christ’s overcoming faith till He returns!
