"The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17), said Paul. Based on this verse, theologians invented numerous theories concerning salvation in the afterlife. It is necessary to notice that some of their doctrines are in direct opposition to the spirit of love, inclusiveness, and universalism, expressed by Jesus.

Fundamentalist Christians often are coming to potential converts with a question: "Where will you be after you die?" But, in the light of what our Master said, it is more important to ask: "Where are you now?" This present moment is the only substantial reality which is given to us. The past and the future are illusory.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.
Matthew 6:34, RSV

The kind of faith we need to develop is not the one which promises to cancel our past sins and to secure our future afterlife. In search for this faith, we will eventually entangle ourselves with theological theories which have little or no relation to our daily life. No, we need faith that will help us to live in the fullness of this present moment, which will get us in touch with the power of Life.

We need faith that will deliver us from escapism, ignorance, irresponsibility, and laziness, and will allow us to experience at-one-ment with God.

To manifest God in our lives in greater measure, we need to grow into greater measure of faith.

Some people emphasise faith as the power to endure sufferings, to survive, to hold on. This is the lowest level of faith. But it is better to have it rather than to become broken and disappointed.

Others describe faith as the power to transcend obstacles and negative appearances. They speak of higher level of faith, but still not the one which should be our ideal. It is a mistake to regard faith simply as an emergency measure to deal with challenges.

Certainly, "the prayer of faith will cure the sick", but it is much better to have faith which prevents us from being sick by keeping us full of life and vitality. Certainly, faith will help us to pay our debts, but it is better to have faith which prevents us from debts by providing steady financial growth.

True faith is the power of increase, the power of Life.

In the passage we referred to earlier, Paul spoke on upward and onward movement "from faith to faith", which should be natural to every individual who is consciously linked with God.

Herein lies the acid test of our faith. Does it grow? Does it expand? Does it become more mature, leading us to greater demonstrations? If our answers are "yes", we are on the right track.

But we also need to admit that our progress is not always linear. Sometimes we might think that our demonstrations delay, when in truth we only accumulate powers for future use.

Let us take an apple tree as an example. When an apple seed is planted, it grows underground, and at first it looks like nothing happens. Even when a tiny tree appears on the surface, it is of no practical value. Only after several years an apple tree becomes fruitful, bringing the reward to those who planted it and cared for it.

Let us align ourselves with laws of growth and unfoldment of faith, and wait for results in a due time. For everything, there is a season.