FAITH

 

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

 

Every Christian is familiar with the word “Faith”. We study it, we meditate it, and we learn how to practice it. Faith is part of the Christian life from beginning to end. It is an instrument by which the gift of salvation is received (Ephesians 2:8-9). Faith is distinct from the basis of salvation, which is grace, and the outworking of salvation, which is good works. Thus, faith became an integral part of a true believer’s life at the moment of his/her salvation. That is why the Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

In modern times, faith has been weakened in meaning that some people use it to mean self-confidence. But in the Bible, true faith is confidence in God or Christ, not in one’s self.

Genuine saving faith is a personal attachment and reliance to Christ and commitment to Him. Faith can be proved by our obedience to His commands, “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 2:8, 9)

The most difficult part in the life of a believer is when faith is being tested through trials. A person may be familiar to many Bible stories about faith, even memorized those important verses to strengthen his/her faith but unless that person experience serious trials in life, he/she would not really know what real faith means. Jesus criticized His disciples for lack of faith when they experienced tremendous trials even in His presence. Peter’s faith weakened and began to sink when he turned to boisterous wind and violent waves (Matthew 14:29-31), the storm on the way to Gadarenes (Luke 8:22-25), the faith as mustard seed (Matthew 17:14-20).

Every believer must undergo trials in order for him to discover how far or close he/she is to God in faith. The Bible says, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7). Faith not only strengthens the believers’ stand with God but also allows Him to show His power and might through them. His supernatural power was demonstrated through victories of His faithful men like Moses, Joshua, David and many other courageous men of the Bible.

We are no difference than those victorious men of the Bible. They were not superhuman but ordinary men like us today. But because of their trust and faith in God, they became mighty and feared by the enemies of God’s people. Their miraculous works and tremendous war victories defied all logical and scientific norms in the history of life. Can logic and science explain the crumble down of the mighty wall of Jericho by just trumpets and shouts of Joshua and his men? (Joshua 6)
 

Hebrew 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.” The God who created the heavens and the earth, the God who unleashed His wrath on earth because of the wickedness of the people, flooded the earth and killed all human beings except eight souls; the God who miraculously parted the Red Sea and guided Moses out of Egypt; the God who will judge this world in the last days, is the same God whom we believe today. Jesus is God personified in the flesh. If we believe that Jesus is in us and put our faith in Him, we will also be victorious in our walk with Him in this world.

 

May the Lord Jesus strengthen our faith as we journey with Him through the Spirit.

 

 

For His Service,

 

Pastor Erwin Concepcion