Embedded Files
Faith is a vital requirement for whoever wants a relationship with God, in fact the Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11 v 6). Jesus healed the sick because of their faith; some asked Jesus to increase their faith. Once, Jesus rebuked his disciples for their little faith, and prayed that another’s faith might not fail completely. Abraham fervently believed that God could make the impossible happen so God counted his faith as ‘righteousness’. Everyone who shows faith in God’s promises is counted ‘righteous’ too. Clearly faith is not a quality we either have or have not; it’s an attribute that develops and grows.
Of the many characteristics believers seek, faith is the one most clearly defined:
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
(Hebrews 11 v 1, NLT)
The original Greek indicates that faith is something you can stand on, like solid ground. Such faith is achieved by:
‘… hearing, and hearing by the word of God’.
(Romans 10 v 17)
So, through the words of the Bible, an understanding comes of His purpose with humankind and His work personally in our lives. In that way faith grows.
Hebrews chapter 11 gives a ‘roll call’ of the faithful, portraying people, who lived a faith-filled life that impelled their every action. Their faith was based on confidence in God’s work in both small and great aspects of their life.
Faith is for past, present and future. Past, because long ago God rewarded those who showed confidence in Him. Present, because God cares now for those showing faith in action. Future, because believers turn the eye of faith to the coming fulfilment of God’s promises.
But…
‘…faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead’.
(James 2 v 17)
Good deeds alone are not enough. Faith alone is not enough. Firm conviction automatically produces actions pleasing to God.
So…
‘through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation’
(Hebrews 11 v 2, NLT)
Faith makes the impossible possible and comes with a wonderful promise.
‘…he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him
(Hebrews 11 v 6)
God is faithful. If we diligently seek Him, like those in Hebrews 11, a reward is promised to us if we respond to God in faith.
[All Bible references are from the New King James Version unless stated otherwise (NLT = New Living Translation)]
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