FAITHFULNESS AND TRUSTWORTHINESS-THE DIFFERENCE

The apostle Paul often includes notes of thanksgiving in all of his epistles. They concluded his thanksgiving letter to the city of Corinth with these words: “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord”

During this instance Paul Glorifies God for spiritual blessings and gifts bestowed upon the church of Corinth- as he affirms his trust in God to uphold them steadfastly. In this context, Paul’s trust stems from God’s faithfulness, the solid foundation for all believers. Faithful is a Greek word derived from, ‘pistos’, which also conveys the concept of being ‘trustworthy’. 

Therefore, as scripture declares that God is faithful, it suggests and/or signifies His ‘trustworthiness. Simply meaning that when God makes a promise, it is unwavering. You can rest assured that God’s trustworthiness hinges on His attributes; specifically His, justice, and holiness. He will not break His promise. 

He fulfilled His promise to Abraham by giving him Isaac {Gen 12:3} And through Isaac came Jacob, the forefather of the Israelites, through whom the Messiah came, bringing the blessing of salvation to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles (Gal 3:6-9} God’s faithfulness continues in His covenant with King David: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever”{2 Samuel 7:16}.

Albeit the Davidic covenant appeared endangered due to Solomon’s ‘unfaithfulness’. Also by Athaliah’s murderous rampage, God was faithful. Such examples as these prove God’s trustworthiness, even when things seem unlikely. We can fathom from these situations a clear understanding of God’s faithfulness more as we grasp the totality of His character. Paul always boldly proclaimed God’s faithfulness, especially regarding our belief in salvation.

Paul goes on to express a similar sentiment: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the presence nor the future, nor any powers, neither heights, nor depth , nor anything else in all of creation , will be able to separate us from the love of God, that is in Jesus The Christ Our Lord {Romans 8:38-39}

In Conclusion: 

• God’s faithfulness will accomplish His promises given to us in confidence

• It allows us to connect to Jude’s Doxology:

• “To Him who can keep us from stumbling

• And to be present before Him in Glorious presence and persona

• As we appear without fault and with great Joy!

• To the only God our Savior, The Glory! Majesty! Power and Authority

• Give through the Father in the Name of Jesus.

• Before all ages, now and forever more and everlasting and Forever...Amen, and Amen...

Steve Braxton, CEO/Founder National Clergy Fellowship Outreach Initiative, div of Marketplace Ministries, Inc., Executive Life Coach, Author of Non-Fiction books, memoirs, and poetic stanza sbrax57@gmail.com/http://sbrax-on-point.blogspot.com