The "Experimental Theologian"

Bible Reading: (Galatians 5:25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

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Have you ever seen a many walk in private but not in public? Of course not - or you wouldn't have seen him walk at all. So it is with one's faith in Christ: it cannot be merely private as so many these days require. The expectation of the world upon the Believer is to walk worthy of his profession of faith lest he be labeled "hypocrite." Putting these two expectations together is to expect the impossible - an invisible faith that cannot be seen in the public square, but so genuine that everything in life is affected by it.

C.H. Spurgeon says that we can become a master of "experimental theology" - experiencing our faith in our lives. This is the opposite of "hypothetical theology" where one's faith is not lived, but merely discussed or thought about. One person (I don't remember who) said that "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." That means that the experience of a walk of obedience to the Spirit is essential.

To live in the Spirit is to walk in the Spirit. There is an essential connection between our faith and our behavior. If the Spirit is our guide, then where He leads, we must follow; what He commands, we must do. Nothing less will suffice. No amount of ritual can replace obedience. No amount of self-directed work will take us where only the Spirit of God can lead. Following our own road is not the same as following the Road of God. His righteousness is not duplicated by human effort, but by Holy faith.

Saying we believe and living our faith are as connected as a foundation and the building raised over it. The foundation of profession offers no shelter. The building of a life lived by faith proves the suitability of the foundation of profession. Since you are a Believer, live like a Believer. Since you have the Spirit of God within you, changing you, and cleansing you - then live as though this were happening to you.

Bro. Greg