The Testament of Our Testimony: Justified by Faith — Our Story of Salvation
Every believer has a testimony—not just a dramatic moment, but a lifelong account of God’s faithfulness. In Episode 1 of Through the Refiner’s Fire, Craig and Antonio begin The Testament of Our Testimony by returning to the foundation of the Christian faith: we are justified by faith, not by works.
Justification: The Beginning of Every Testimony
Justification means that we are declared righteous before God—not because of what we have done, but because of what Christ has done. Antonio reflects on years of believing in God while still wrestling with assurance, a struggle many believers silently carry. John 14 reminds us that salvation is secure because it rests in Christ—not in our performance.
Childlike Faith and Early Encounters with God
Both hosts share how God used family, church moments, and even puppet shows to plant seeds of faith. These moments highlight a crucial truth: God often meets us before we fully understand Him. Faith may begin simply, but God is faithful to grow it.
Works, Obedience, and Misunderstanding Holiness
A recurring theme is the misconception that holiness means being “better than others.” Scripture reveals a harsher truth—we are compared to a perfect God. This realization strips away self-righteousness and leads us to dependence on grace.
Recommitment Is Not Doubt
The conversation clarifies an important distinction: recommitting your life to Christ is not a lack of faith—it is often the fruit of spiritual maturity. Just as relationships deepen over time, our walk with Christ grows through surrender, repentance, and renewed devotion.
God’s Faithfulness in the Process
From discipline in childhood to moments of spiritual breakthrough, Antonio describes faith as progressing through “levels.” God never gave everything at once—He gave just enough to grow, teach, and transform. This reflects Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
Key Takeaways
-
Salvation is grounded in God’s faithfulness, not our consistency
-
Faith often begins before full understanding
-
Obedience flows from relationship, not fear
-
Recommitment is part of spiritual growth
-
God transforms us progressively, not instantly
Reflection Questions
-
Where did your first encounter with the gospel occur?
-
Have you ever struggled with assurance of salvation?
-
Are you relying more on works or on grace?
-
What “level” might God be inviting you to step into next?
Your testimony matters—not because it’s perfect, but because it points to a faithful God.
Listen to the full Podcast Episode Here, or watch the episode below.