Introduction
In a world of uncertainty and shifting values, there’s one constant that remains unchanged: God’s unwavering desire for mankind to believe what He says, faith. Hebrews 11:6 encapsulates this truth, affirming that faith is not merely a desirable trait but an indispensable one not only for our salvation but in our walk with God. But what exactly does it mean to have faith? And why does God place such paramount importance on it? Let’s delve deeper into the essence of faith and its significance in our lives.
‘But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.’
Hebrews 11:6
Firstly, let’s define faith. Faith is simply believing what God says. As Romans 10:17 tells us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” In other words, we can’t have faith in something until we’ve heard about it. God doesn’t expect us to believe something we’ve never been told. However, when God reveals His word to us, He expects us to believe Him.
A perfect example of faith is seen in Abraham. Romans 4:3 states, “For what does the scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness.'” Abraham believed God’s word, and it was credited to him as righteousness. We see this demonstrated in Genesis 15, where the chapter begins with “the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision saying.” God speaks to Abraham, making him a promise. Then, after hearing God’s promises, Abraham believed in the LORD, and it was counted to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).
For us today, the principle remains the same. Since the revelation of the gospel of the grace of God was given to Paul around 38 AD, salvation has been offered to all based solely on faith. Salvation doesn’t require us to do anything but believe by faith alone that Jesus Christ accomplished everything necessary for our salvation through His finished work on the cross. Therefore, for those who have heard this message proclaimed for almost 2000 years, God expects us to believe Him, to trust in what He says about our salvation.
The Tiny Seed of Faith
Jesus, in Matthew 17:20, illustrates that even a tiny mustard seed of faith can move mountains. This imagery emphasizes that God isn’t looking for elaborate displays of faith but rather a simple, childlike trust in Him and His promises. This foundational principle echoes throughout the writings of the apostle Paul, who repeatedly emphasizes that salvation and righteousness come through faith alone.
Faith vs. Works
Paul’s letters to the Romans and Ephesians underscore the primacy of faith in the Christian life. In Romans 3:24-28, Paul declares that justification comes freely through faith, not by works of the law. He further expounds on Abraham’s faith as the basis for righteousness in Romans 4, highlighting that salvation is not earned through human effort but received through faith in God’s promises.
Peace and Access Through Faith
In Romans 5:1-2, Paul reveals the profound implications of faith for believers. Through faith alone in the gospel, we are justified and have peace with God, gaining access to His grace and rejoicing in the hope of glory. This assurance of salvation by faith alone underscores the unmerited favor and love that God extends to all those who believe.
The Gift of Salvation
Ephesians 2:8 reaffirms the foundational truth that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith. Our works, no matter how noble, cannot earn us salvation; it is solely by God’s grace, appropriated by faith, that we are saved. This highlights the essence of faith as the conduit through which God’s saving power operates in our lives.
Conclusion
In a world with no absolutes, where uncertainty abounds, faith remains an absolute that mankind can not ignore when comes to pleasing a Holy God. Faith remains the anchor of our souls and the key to our relationship with God. Through faith, we lay hold of God’s promises, receive His grace, and experience the transformative power (salvation; Romans 1:16) of His love (the cross). Let us, therefore, nurture and strengthen our faith, by studying His word daily, knowing that faith is the sine qua non, the essential ingredient, to please God.
‘But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.’
Hebrews 11:6
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