Huntington Church of Christ

Faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1 as the "assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen". We have not seen God, yet we believe that He came to this world and did all things necessary to save us from sin (John 20:29 1 Tim. 1:12). This is why Paul could so easily write, "we walk by faith, not by sight".

The IMPORTANCE of faith is also stressed in the book of Hebrews. "Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that seek after Him" (Heb. 11:6). Jesus said, "Except ye belive that I am He, ye shall die in your sins" (John 8:24). The language of these two passages allow no room for wavering. We MUST believe!

In order to believe one must have evidence. By looking at the beauty and order of the world and universe in which we live it is easy to conclude and believe in a Supreme Creator. A great CAUSE for the magnificent EFFECT. "For the invisible things of Him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even His everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse" (Rom. 1:20).

But in order to know the personality and demands of the Supreme Being we need revelation. God has freely revealed Himself unto us through the gospel (1 Cor. 2:10-13). "So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Rom. 10:17). Thus, faith is much more than just intellectual assent or a mere oral statement of "I believe." Faith is an active work. Jesus said, "This is the work of God,that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent" (John 6:28). The apostle Paul also indicates that faith actively works, when he writes, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love" (Gal. 5:6). Faith leads man to obey the commandments of Jesus Christ. James emphasizes this point in chapter two of his epistle by saying, "Faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself... Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith" (James 2:17,24). Obedience and submission to God's will is the expression of our faith in Him.

"For ye are all sons of God through faith, in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ" (Gal. 3:26,27). It is our responsibility to hear, believe and obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. Do you believe christ? (Mark 16:16)

Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ