THE FAMILY ALTAR 

May 2.

"Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is

the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4

To be born of God means to be born for battle, but also for

victory and triumph. Who is born of God? John tells us in the

first verse of this chapter: "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is

the Christ," that is, the God-ordained Savior of the world and

therefore his Savior, such a one is "born of God." It matters not

if such a believer's faith is as small as a grain of mustard-seed,

or as weak as a bruised reed, or a smoking flax; so long as it

is true faith in Christ, it is battling and victorious faith, faith

that overcometh the world. For it brings with it God's Holy

Spirit, who not only kindles such faith in us, but also keeps us

in it and strengthens it. In faith we who mourn and grieve over

our sins find pardon for them in Christ, our Eedeemer. In faith

we break with the world and flee its sinful lusts and pleasures.

In faith we resist the temptations of the Wicked One. In faith

we daily and earnestly pray for grace and power to lead a godly

life. In faith we bear our cross, crucify our evil flesh, and, though

overcome in a weak hour and fallen into sin, arise again, even as

did David and Peter, by Christ's saving mercy, and return to the

good fight of faith with greater earnestness. Though often the

fight seemingly waxes too hot, endures too long, and we fear that

we must finally succumb in the battle, — courage ! for we are

not fighting alone. Christ, the great Captain of our salvation,

is fighting for us and with us; and so we can be sure of gaining

the victory. "In the world ye shall have tribulation," says our

blessed Savior ; "but be of good cheer ; I have overcome the world."

Though we be assailed on all sides, we shall be more than con-

querors through Him that loved us. (Eom. 8, 37.) Let us but

cling in faith to Him and daily pray with His apostles: "Lord,

increase our faith!" For as Luther truly says: "This Scripture

passage is a true touchstone of faith. Where there is true faith,

there such fruit, victory, and triumph must follow."