Touching on Faith

About Faith:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. It’s a perplexing statement for man but “proof” for God. Put in a paraphrase: “now faith is the existing physical object of what we hope for in the future, and the proof that what we don’t see already exists. I don’t know if that didn't explain it any better but it is the way God designed His Kingdom to be experienced. Again He 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.”

Where does faith come from? Who gives it? How does it work? The answer to the first two questions is Jesus. First: “No man comes unto me but by the Holy Spirit”. The Holy Spirit has several jobs to do, draw all men unto Christ, teach us and remind us of all things that Jesus Christ has said and done, and then to infill and give gifts severally in accordance with God’s will. The Holy Spirit and faith are inseparable in that He initiates the “draw to Christ” by the grace through faith given all who live from the womb. There is absolutely no man or woman alive from the beginning Gen. 1 vs. 26 thru Revelation 20 vs. 9 ( I can’t tell if more come after that verse) that has not been given the “grace thru faith” to be saved. Jesus cuts the argument against this short by the Holy Spirit saying in Scripture “the word is neigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart: that is the word of faith which we preach”, again “so then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the earth”. Faith is given to all men by Jesus and for the second question: Jesus said He was the starter and finisher of our faith.

Now for the third question: How does it work?

There are 3 levels of faith:

1.       Great: The Centurion, servant grievously tormented, “Only say the word” requested, Jesus: “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel”.

2.       Small faith: Grain of mustard (but still can move mountains).

3.       Faithless: Jesus speaking, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Remember that He is speaking to his disciples here. More on that later.     

A quick revue shows us that we can’t be saved without faith. We can’t please God without faith and we cannot do God’s will without faith. Now let’s go deeper on the application of faith in the Scriptures and at times compare what man has to say about it.

First established fact is: Faith in God makes all things possible when it’s according to His will. There are no limits and nothing is impossible for God when His will is being sought to perform it for His glory. This is what scares most denominations even Full Gospel, Pentecostals, Charismatic’s, let alone Catholics, Methodist, Lutheran’s, Baptist’s, ect. ect. All have an applied faith that they feel comfortable with which doesn’t ruffle any feathers as long as everyone stays within the lines of doctrine. Several of these denominations “believe” that faith as shown in the Scriptures is valid but few practice what they believe is valid. The worst part of their application of doctrine comes when someone really believes (has faith) and wants to see God glorify Himself and questions why nothing is happening if the promises of Scripture are true (as the church deeply ascertains).

What are some of these “faith” promises?

You can be saved by the finished work of Christ.

You can (having been saved) be filled with the Holy Spirit. “When you seek me with your whole heart you will find me”.

You can continue to grow in faith.

You can have a continuing revelation of Jesus Christ.

Through the Revelation of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit you can have the Mind of Christ and understand the Scriptures.

By the understanding of Scripture you will be challenged to glorify God with your life.

To be able to glorify God you will be given “gifts severally” in accordance with His will.

You will also be given a calling and election to minister under. Apostle, prophet, pastor, teacher ect.

Having been given a calling and election you qualify by faith to “manifest” the truth and glorify God the Father through “signs and wonders” becoming “Christ Like”, “Being conformed to His image and likeness”. “It is enough that the student is equal to his teacher”.

So what are these signs and wonders promised us by Christ to be performed by faith? This Scripture sums it up: Mark 16 vs. 17: “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing , it shall not harm them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover”.

We also have the promise in Scripture that “you will do those things I do (Jesus) and greater things”. Some of those things are: healing the sick, blinded eyes seeing, dumb talking, deaf hearing, multiplication of food, lepers cleansed, lame walking, the dead being raised, and casting out demons. Only by faith can this be done by one who seeks God’s face and desires to glorify Him and not ourselves.

Why aren't these miracles common place anymore? First and foremost it’s the “lack of faith”. Secondly: the Scriptures aren't taught in truth with expectancy for this to happen so it isn't practiced anymore. Thirdly: Few will draw close enough to God to “seek Him with all your heart” so we can find Him and be used of Him to manifest Himself to all the earth. Pure and simple we have grown lazy and content to dwell full and happy in a dying and hopeless world. Just like God warned the Hebrews before they entered into the Promised Land. Having been given fatness we have forsaken God who has blessed us so. Yes that means Christians. Aside from salvation and (in a few denominations) tongues or prophesy, few have the passion to Glorify God the Father in heaven. We are saved so no more is expected. To some extent we are saying “am I my brother’s keeper?” Happily holding onto heaven, while denying the very power of God to use us for “covering the earth with the knowledge of Him”. We (or some) lift their hands to worship and praise their Father in Heaven with the occasional person weeping only to walk away powerless (faithless) to make a difference. I don’t say this as a rebuke as if in some way I point a finger at the present state of the church. No, but I have a broken heart for the unused promises of God that have been freely given but sorely used. Sadly Jesus said: “When I return will I find faith on earth?” He already knew the answer. We cannot surprise Him. He is asking if He will find God Glorifying Faith still being manifested by “those who believe”.

Live by faith.

Walk by faith.

Work by faith.

More about other facets of faith to come.

Love in Christ

J&E in Tn