Authentic Faith (Part 2): A Second Slice
Miss Part 1? Find it here: https://www.thewellslc.com/sermons/is-it-cake/
Introduction: Cutting Into the Real Thing
Last week, we explored the big question John forces every disciple to face: Is my faith authentic? Using the Is It Cake? illustration, Pastor Jason reminded us that faith must be tested, exposed, and examined—cut into—to see if it is real.
In Part 1, we learned that authentic faith:
- Begins with Jesus, not with us.
- Expresses itself through loving obedience.
This week, John continues his diagnostic tool and gives us the remaining marks of genuine faith.
3. Authentic Faith Is Persevering Faith
“Everyone who has been born of God conquers the world… Who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” — 1 John 5:4–5
Authentic faith has grit. It stands firm through storms, suffering, confusion, and pressure because it is empowered by the Spirit, not by human resolve.
Pastor Jason put it this way:
This is not about perfect living; it is about a persevering life.
John roots this perseverance in our new birth—our transformation into sons and daughters of God (1 John 4:4–6). John Stott captures this supernatural shift:
“The new birth is a supernatural event… The spell of the old life has been broken.”
Paul echoes the same truth:
“What matters is faith working through love.” — Galatians 5:6
Daniel Akin writes:
“The believer is given supernatural power to withstand the forces of the world.”
Persevering faith doesn’t mean we never struggle—it means we don’t quit, because Christ holds us.
4. Authentic Faith Is Rooted in an Authoritative Testimony
“There are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood…” — 1 John 5:6–9
Authentic faith is anchored in what God says about Jesus, not what culture, feelings, or opinion say about Him.
Pastor Jason outlined the three major interpretations:
- Sacramental view: water = baptism, blood = communion.
- Crucifixion view: water and blood from Jesus’ side (John 19:34–35).
- Incarnation-to-Cross view (widely accepted): water = baptism of Jesus; blood = His sacrificial death.
John Stott emphasizes:
“If the Son of God did not take our nature in His birth and our sins in His death, He cannot reconcile us to God.”
Howard Marshall warns:
“As soon as we reduce Jesus’ death to that of a mere man, we lose the doctrine of the atonement.”
John then ties everything together:
“The Spirit is truth.” — 1 John 5:6
Our faith stands on the testimony of the Spirit, the baptism and mission of Jesus, and His sacrificial death and resurrection.
This is not shaky. It’s not subjective. It’s not sentimental. It is authoritative.
5. Authentic Faith Is Confident Faith
“I have written these things… so that you may know that you have eternal life.” — 1 John 5:13
Authentic faith reveals itself through confidence, not insecurity.
John tells us:
- Believers carry God’s testimony within them.
- Rejecting Jesus is calling God a liar.
- Eternal life is found in Christ alone.
Pastor Jason summarized:
Confident assurance is the mark of genuine faith.
Confidence doesn’t mean arrogance—it means resting in the finished work of Jesus.
In Christ we have an unshakable confidence in the salvation we have in Him.
Closing Thought
Authentic faith is not flimsy or mystical. It is real, tested, rooted, enduring, and confident. Across two weeks, John has shown us:
From Part 1:
- It begins with Jesus.
- It flows through obedience.
From Part 2:
- It perseveres.
- It is rooted in God’s testimony.
- It produces confidence in salvation.
This is the real thing. Not cake. Not imitation. Not performance. Authentic faith.
Reflection Question
Which of the final three markers—perseverance, testimony, or confidence—do you sense God strengthening in you right now?
Prayer Prompt
Lord, root my faith deeper in Your truth. Strengthen my perseverance, anchor my confidence in Christ, and help me live from the testimony You have given about Your Son. Amen.
