The Character Trait for Victory in the End Times
Faith is the character trait that will help the us gain victory during the end times: “this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4). How can “our faith” enable us to overcome the world especially in the end times? John gives the answer in verse 5: “Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” The faith to which John is referring is that which accepts Jesus as a personal Redeemer. Such a faith receives the Savior’s victory over the world and duplicates it in the life of the believer.
In Revelation 14:12 it says, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” This is speaking of God’s people in the last days. They must not only keep God’s commandments (Exodus 20:3-17) but also keep the faith of Jesus. This is not just faith in Jesus, but the faith of Jesus. It is possessing the same kind of faith Jesus had while upon the earth, which was complete dependence on the Father to overcome sin (John 5:30).
This kind of faith does not stop at a mental belief but leads to positive actions. Like the paralytic who was commanded to rise, the believer will by faith attempt what seems impossible (John 5:5–9). As he applies his will and chooses to rise from the captivity of sin, the life-giving power of God comes into his heart and enables him to accomplish what he by faith has willed. If he were to lie back and wait for the Lord to lift him up without following the Lord’s command, nothing would happen.
The believer’s faith must lay hold on God’s promises, and must desire, choose, and will to act upon them before divine strength can aid him. The more he trusts, the stronger his confidence becomes. This is the central truth for a victorious Christian life (1 John 2:23, 24; 3:23; 1 Corinthians 15:57).
How Do We Obtain This Faith?
The apostle Paul in Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Genuine faith is not a blind confidence to be exercised in the absence of adequate evidence. Faith is the believer’s conviction about things that he cannot see (Hebrews 11:1), and this conviction must be founded upon knowledge, that is based upon the living Word of God.
To acquire this transforming and enduring faith, there is no substitute for the regular and earnest study of the Bible. This is why it is so important to hear God’s voice each day. It teaches us all about the Father’s love and how He has always been there for His children since the creation of the world.
At the end of time when the believers will be cut from all earthly support and resources, they must trust God’s promises. They don’t know what trials will befall them, but they know that He will provide. As they trust Him now in the little things, it will prepare them for greater exercises of faith at the end.
As time comes to a close, Christians should claim God’s Word. The Lord promised, “He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure” (Isaiah 33:16). This promise will prove of special comfort to God’s people during the great crisis of the last days, when places of safety will be provided for them out of reach of those that seek their destruction (Psalms 61:2, 3; 91:1, 2). While the wicked suffer for lack of food and water, the believers will have life’s necessities provided for them. Praise God!
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
