In today’s society, we think that we are self-sufficient and do not consider our need for faith in God for salvation and life. But we must not forget that we live in a fallen world where God is most needed. There are myriad challenges, sufferings, and calamities. What may seem impossible to solve, God can resolve as we put our trust in him for the forgiveness of our sins and navigate through life’s difficulties.
The characteristic of the faith stated in verse 29 can be understood by the faith that is explained in verse 28. The Israelites were sandwiched between two dangers. Pharaoh and his special forces on chariots were chasing them on one side and the big body of water known as the Red Sea blocked them from advancing and escaping the Egyptians. Our powerful faith always comes from our genuine saving faith based on repentance. This saving faith is effectual as we face challenges in our lives as the Israelites face their challenges. Faith always has its origin as our salvation is secure and it is biblically based on repentance and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
What is often misunderstood is that everyone needs the blood of Jesus Christ; that is, the gospel. At the time when the Israelites were freed from Egypt, both the Israelites and Egyptians needed the blood of the lamb to be saved. Left to our own free will, we would only serve ourselves and continue on the path of destruction. Only by God’s intervention and election can we be rescued from our damned state and future judgment and death.
Only the biblically converted possess saving faith, which enables us to face and go through the daily challenges we inevitably face. Salvation is a supernatural miracle that is only possible by the grace of God (Jn. 5:24). It is the gift of God. And because we have faced the miracle of salvation, we are faithful to go through anything in this life because God has already done the impossible.
The Bible is the only source to work out our salvation and grow in sanctification. Faith is the only means to deal with our difficulties. God causes all things and the only thing we can show is our faith. In other words, God is providential as he causes all things to occur in the world. But because he is a good God, the Bible guides us to trust him and helps us understand God’s providence.
Anyone without faith will lead to death. The text describes the Egyptians attempting the same act as the Israelites but this led to their death. The key difference is that they did so without faith. The Egyptians illustrate the world as the world produces so many other false faiths. False faith is attractive but only temporarily. Just as God allowed them into the midst of the sea, they could not survive till the end.
In the end, all perish without saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. But for those that have saving faith, we must practice and live out our faith as Jesus is always with us. And the Lord never disappoints those who obey him.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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