There is a difference between Saving Faith and Living Faith. Saving Faith is a gift from God. We cannot cultivate Saving Faith. We can only receive it. When Paul wrote to the Christian Church at Ephesus he reminded them that they were saved by grace through faith and they had nothing to do with it – it’s a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8-9) When fully convinced that Saving Faith is a gift for no apparent reason or merit on our part, there is a heightened appreciation for our salvation.
The same Apostle Paul who wrote that we are saved by faith also wrote that we live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). This means we walk out our faith everyday. Living Faith overcomes all our adversities and challenges in life. Although Living Faith is weak at times; for human frailty and overwhelming difficulties cause even the best of the faithful to stumble as they walk out their faith; yet they eventually find their footing and persevere to the end.
Saving Faith is a gift. Living Faith is cultivated. Saving Faith cannot be increased. It is what it is because God Who gives this kind of faith is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Living Faith can be increased. The Apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith because Living Faith can be increased (Luke 17:5). This is when discipline and commitment matters with prayer and the Word of God in hand. These are the ways we cultivate Living Faith.