Faith: Our Trust in God

In 1996, Edward Larson surveyed 1,000 scientists and found that 40 percent of them believe in God. While that sounds discouraging, the positive note is that number is exactly the same as it was when a similar survey was conducted 80 years earlier, in 1916.

Even though science has moved forward by leaps and bounds in this century, and we've discovered "scientific" answers behind so many of the mysteries of the world and of the universe, the reality that so many scientists will not admit to-- that there obviously is a God at work in it all-- has not been diminished one bit.
-Source: Western Recorder, 4/14/97

If you are a true believer, then surely you have faith in God. But what is the meaning of faith? This is a question that has been asked over and over across the years. Perhaps we can help clarify things a little bit in today's message. At least, I would like to try. I strongly believe that any clarification of faith would be best presented through a brief discussion of Biblical doctrine which includes knowledge, in addition to faith.

Obviously, due to space and time constraints, we won't be able to thoroughly dissect and examine this subject. However, what I can do is provide a foundation for discussion by defining the term “faith” and show how that term has been misused; and show how to use it properly.

Before we get into the discussion, we should have some points of reference from which to guide us. Hebrews 11:1 and Hebrews 11:6 are such points. First, we shall examine Hebrews 11:1. In the KJV, the verse is stated this way: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The ASV says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.”

From these two examples we see that on the one hand, faith provides assurance of things hoped for; things in the future. On the other hand, faith provides conviction as to things not seen; past and future. These verses should persuade us to ask a couple of questions: 1. How can our faith be an assurance, or a confidence to us? 2. How can faith provide conviction for us? Keep these in mind as we continue on.

Next, let's turn to Hebrews 11:6. This verse tells us that to be pleasing to God we must have faith. We must believe that “God Is.” What are we saying when we say we believe that God exists? We must believe that he will reward those that diligently seek Him.

And, what are we saying when we say that we believe that he will reward those who seek him? What is the difference between the two statements? Interestingly, here's a brief note regarding the word’s “faith” and “belief.” Both words come from the same Greek root, “pistis," and they are used interchangeably in the New Testament.

At this point, I would like to submit the following question as a lead-in to our discussion, "What is the significance of the term, 'faith,' or 'belief?'”

In regards to the concepts of faith and knowledge in the Bible we must understand some things about them. Starting with "faith is not exclusive of knowledge." This is perhaps the most misunderstood area of the concept of faith today. Perhaps you have heard statements such as these:

1) “Faith is not a form of knowledge.” Fragments
2) “Faith begins precisely where thinking leaves off.” Fear and Trembling
3) “These arguments take you down to this point… but from there on you have to proceed upon the basis of faith. There is no way to really know.”
4) “The evolutionist has a faith and I have a faith. I happen to believe that my faith is the more reasonable faith.”
5) “In those situations where it is not possible to know complete and absolute truth–in those situations which involve faith–it is better to take the path of hope than the path of fear.”
6) To believe something, one must take a “Leap of faith.”
7) “If you know something, then you cannot believe it.”

Subsequently, what does 2 Corinthians 5:7 mean? Also, it might not be a bad idea to review 2 Corinthians 5:1 “For we know….” Does sight exclude faith? What about Thomas (John 20:29a)? -Faith after sight. Where do we stand now? -Faith without sight. Where will we stand in heaven? (1 John 3:2). -Sight after faith.

Additionally, does faith exclude knowledge? Jesus said that we must know Him and His Truth (John 17:3, John 8:32). Those who heard Jesus teach believed and knew who he was (John 4:42). The apostles believed and knew who Jesus was (John 6:69). Even the writers of the New Testament were certain (Luke 1:3,4). Paul told Timothy that we could believe and know the truth (1 Timothy 4:1-3). We can be certain as well (1 John 5:13, 20). Salvation is predicated upon receiving a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

Finally, how can we believe and know today without first hand information? Consider Mark 16:9-14; and John 20:29-31. And what about believing in heaven? I have included two verses to assist you with this question. They are as follows: 1) Faith is based upon evidence (Romans 10:17). 2) Then my faith becomes evidence (Hebrews 11:1) for heaven.

The other thing that we must understand about the concepts of faith and knowledge in the Bible is that "saving faith is not equivalent with knowledge." Faith involves putting our trust in God. It means acknowledging God as our only standard in life (Proverbs 3:5,6). Also, it means that even though all external factors appear to be opposite of what God says, we will still rely upon God (Romans 4:19-22).

Faith involves acting upon the knowledge and trust that we have in God. It means being obedient to God even in the face of the severest challenge (Hebrews 11:7-10, 17-19, 23-31). It means carrying out a lifestyle of living that daily glorifies God (Matthew 5:13-16).

In summary, today we have primarily looked at faith and knowledge. We learned that the concept of faith and knowledge are not mutually exclusive. And, that the concept of faith, however, is not equivalent with knowledge.

I will close today by leaving you with this verse from scripture (2 Timothy 1:12). "For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day."

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Amen

Have a blessed day,

Giselle