faith

Faith

Topic: Salvation

Type: Article

Author: A. Allison Lewis

Many are familiar with this Bible statement and yet confused as to what "faith" really is. Unfortunately much popular preaching has led a great many people to think of faith as a leap in the dark. Others that faith is believing what you know is impossible or untrue. Is faith really so elusive or impractical? Is it really just for the superstitious and weak minded?

When we use the word "believe," we understand and have confidence that the thing believed is real. For example, we believe 2+2=4. Whether it is 2 apples plus 2 apples or 2 horses plus 2 horses, we believe that 2+2=4. It may be apples or horses, or any other objects but 2+2 always =4. We do not simply hold a vague hope that these things are real. We are convinced beyond any shadow of doubt because this is what we have learned from past experience. We believe that there is an England because witnesses have told us there is an England and from past experience with these witnesses we believe they are telling the truth and that there is an England whether we have actually been there and seen it for ourselves or not. In the Bible the words "faith" and "belief" are used interchangeably. So when it says "believe" it is the same as saying "have faith." Is faith in Jesus Christ some vague hope or is it believing real evidence and sure facts?

It is possible to "believe" or have "faith" in something and be absolutely wrong. Many people make the mistake of saying: "It doesn’t make any difference what you believe as long as you have sincere faith." It certainly does make a difference what we believe. If our belief should prove to be wrong it could be tragic and often is.

When the Bible says, The just shall live by faith [ROM 1:17] it also presents the evidence to show that it is true. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 we read, Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures. In verses 5-8 Paul gives a catalogue of those who had SEEN Jesus, not only during His ministry but after He rose from the dead. They were eye witnesses. What Paul is telling the Christians in Corinth, to whom he is writing, is that the gospel he is preaching is about certain events which had actually taken place at Jerusalem and that area of the middle east. In verse 6 he says that more than 500 had seen Him at one time. Some of these were dead, but most were still living. In other words He is pointing out to these Corinthians that they could go to Palestine and actually locate and talk to eye witnesses of the events connected with the gospel. The Bible is a faithful and true witness of the events of the gospel. No, our faith is not a leap in the dark. It is certain belief in actual facts. Just as night is the opposite of day, or evil of good, so faith or belief is the opposite of doubt and unbelief. Do you really believe that Jesus Christ died for YOUR sins, was buried and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures for YOU? Simply believing the facts about Jesus Christ and His work for sinners will NOT save you. Have you really believed on Him to save YOU? Have YOU been born again by the Spirit of God? SINNERS JESUS WILL RECEIVE.

As many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, even to those believing in His name, JOH 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God [Not by Physical birth, nor by ones own ability or by the ability of others BUT by God. ROM 9:15, 16; EPH 2:1-10] . Jesus said: I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE; NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME [JOH 6:14].