Speaker: Elder Engr. Mbimda Ali Mbishida
Texts: Acts 4:12; John 14:6
Topic: Christ: The Object of Our Faith
Introduction
Everyone believes in something.
Some place their confidence in money and financial security. Others trust in connections, influence, education, intelligence, or personal strength. Even those who claim not to believe in God still rest their hope in something, themselves, science, success, or society.
The real issue is not whether you have faith. Every human being exercises faith daily. The real question is: What is your faith resting on?
The central truth of Scripture is this: Christ must be the object of our faith.
Salvation Is Found in Christ Alone
In Acts 4:12, the apostle Peter boldly declared: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
This statement is clear, direct, and uncompromising. Peter did not say salvation can be found in many ways. He did not say Christ is one of several options. He did not suggest that religion, morality, or personal effort could contribute to salvation.
He declared that there is no other name by which we must be saved.
This means:
- Good works cannot save us.
- Church membership cannot save us.
- Moral discipline cannot save us.
- Family heritage cannot save us.
Salvation is not achieved; it is received. It is not earned; it is given. And it is given only through Jesus Christ.
This exclusivity is not spiritual arrogance, it is divine revelation. In His mercy, God provided one Savior for humanity. He did not leave us to guess the way. He gave us His Son.
To reject Christ is to reject the only provision God has made for salvation.
Christ Is the Only Way to the Father
In John 14:6, Jesus made an extraordinary claim: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Notice carefully what He did not say. He did not say, “I know the way.” He did not say, “I will show you the way.” He did not say, “I will teach you the way.” He said, “I am the way.”
Christianity is not primarily about adopting a philosophy or following a set of moral principles. It is about trusting a Person. Salvation is not found in a system, it is found in Christ Himself.
He is:
A. The Way — the only path that leads to reconciliation with God.
B. The Truth — the full and final revelation of who God is.
C. The Life — the source of eternal and abundant life.
Without Christ, there is no access to the Father. No amount of sincerity can replace Him. No level of devotion can bypass Him. Christ is not merely a guide to God, He is God’s appointed bridge between sinful humanity and a holy Father.
What It Means to Make Christ the Object of Your Faith
To make Christ the object of your faith means more than acknowledging His existence. It means resting the full weight of your life upon Him.
1. Depending on His Finished Work
You trust that His death on the cross paid the full penalty for your sins. You believe that His resurrection secured your justification before God. You add nothing to His sacrifice and subtract nothing from it.
You stop trying to earn what He has already accomplished.
2. Ceasing to Trust Yourself
Salvation is not self-improvement. It is divine rescue.
When Christ becomes the object of your faith, you abandon confidence in your own righteousness. You recognize that your best efforts fall short and that only His righteousness can make you acceptable before God.
3. Submitting to Him as Lord
True faith is not mere intellectual agreement. It is surrender.
To trust Christ is to yield to His authority. It is to acknowledge that He has the right to direct your life, shape your choices, and govern your steps.
4. Living Daily by Trust
Faith in Christ is not only the starting point of the Christian life; it is the sustaining power of it.
The same Christ who saves you sustains you. The same grace that forgives you strengthens you. Each day, you continue to rely on Him for wisdom, guidance, and strength.
Illustration
Imagine a chair placed in the center of a room. It may look strong and beautifully crafted. You may admire it and even speak well of it. But admiration is not trust. The moment of faith comes when you sit down and place your full weight upon it.
Many admire Jesus. Many respect His teachings. Many speak highly of His character. But saving faith means you stop standing on your own strength and rest fully on Him.
Conclusion
The question before us is not:
- Are you religious?
- Do you attend church regularly?
- Do you try to live a good life?
The real question is:
- Is Christ the object of your faith?
- If your faith is in your works, it will fail.
- If your faith is in your righteousness, it will fail.
- If your faith is in your effort, it will fail.
But if your faith is in Christ alone,
- Grace will save you.
- Grace will keep you.
- Grace will sustain you.
May our confidence rest not in ourselves, but in Christ alone, the only Savior, the only Way, and the only secure foundation for our faith.
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