What is FAITH? Most people answer that it is believing in Jesus, but FAITH is so much more than that.  FAITH is about trusting Christ and His promises made to us.  It is about trusting Him that He will do what He said He has done and will do.  It is about hearing His promises and acting based on that FAITH.  It is about being obedient even when Christ promises something we cannot see nor imagine.  FAITH is about trusting the evidence Christ gives us of the unseen and seemingly impossible.  Do you trust what Christ says He has done for you?  Do you trust in what Christ says He will come again and do?  Do you trust Christ with your salvation both spiritually and physically?  If you are unsure what that looks like, then let's examine some great verses that really explain what true FAITH is!

 

BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND

Hebrews 11:1- Now FAITH is the assurance of things hoped for, the proof of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

3 By FAITH we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

 

FAITH AT THE DAWN OF HISTORY

4 By FAITH Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

5 By FAITH Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without FAITH it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

7 By FAITH Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

 

FAITHFUL ABRAHAM

8 By FAITH Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 By FAITH Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.

 

THE HEAVENLY HOPE

13 These all died in FAITH, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

 

THE FAITH OF THE PATRIARCHS

17 By FAITH Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.

20 By FAITH Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

21 By FAITH Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.

22 By FAITH Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.

 

THE FAITH OF MOSES

23 By FAITH Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.

24 By FAITH Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

27 By FAITH he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

29 By FAITH they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.

 

BY FAITH THEY OVERCAME

30 By FAITH the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. 31 By FAITH the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.

32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: 33 who through FAITH subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again.

Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through FAITH, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

 

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD

 

These verses are what the bible is talking about when it says FAITH without works is dead (James 2:14-26).  The definition of works means action. When we have true FAITH, Christ produces the actions within us that testify to that FAITH (Hebrews 13:20-21).  Anyone can believe, but for that FAITH to be real and active, it must produce works.  That's why even though Satan believes in Christ (James 2:19) and all He has done and promises to do, he does not have real FAITH because nothing he does lines up with God's will or obedience.

 

FAITH IS OUR SHIELD

 

It is FAITH that causes us to understand, obey, be made righteous, please God, be saved from death, move with Godly fear, receive strength, have no fear, endure suffering, and escape the enemy... This is what the SHIELD is all about! It covers every inch of us and gives us strength and protection.  All we have to do is hold fast to it and never let go.  So what does the Bible say about those that throw down their SHIELD of FAITH?

 

HOLD TIGHTLY TO FAITH

 

THE JUST LIVE BY FAITH

Hebrews 10:32- But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. 35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

37 “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.38 Now the just shall live by FAITH; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”

39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

 

When we let go of that SHIELD of FAITH, God like any good commander, is not happy.  He gave that SHIELD to us, knowing we would need it in battle.  In His wisdom He entrusted us with His gracious gift, that we might hold fast to it enduring struggle, knowing the fight to be won will have a great reward to all those that didn't let go!  What a mighty warrior is the one who stands through all the assaults, bearing down as He looks forward to the goal.  What honor will he receive when he comes out, injuries and all, still being steadfast and brave!

 

FAITH COMES FROM HEARING

 

Now that we know what FAITH is, where does it come from and how do we get it?

 

Romans 10:17- So FAITH comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

 

2 Corinthians 5:7- for we walk by FAITH, not by sight.

 

JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH

Galatians 3:1- O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?

5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of FAITH?— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of FAITH are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by FAITH, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

 

FAITH comes by hearing, and it is through Christ's promises in the Bible that we hear.  When we believe what our Lord has assured us of, we receive FAITH, and by that FAITH we then are given the Spirit who produces works, fruits, righteousness and miracles.  See, at no point does FAITH come from our own doing.  At no point does what we try to do on our own earn our right to eternal life.  Everything we have comes from God, and it is Him to whom the glory and boasting goes to.

 

FAITH IS A GIFT FROM GOD

 

GIFTS OF GRACE

Romans 12:3- For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of FAITH that God has assigned. 

 

Ephesians 2:8- For by grace you have been saved through FAITH. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

 

THE RACE OF FAITH

Hebrews 12:1- Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Every ounce of our FAITH is given to us.  To some, they will have more, to some they will have less... each amount is God's will.  It is like a commander in an army who gives each warrior an appropriate sized shield for each one's duty and postion.  God, being a very wise commander, knows exactly what each warrior needs because He holds the map and the mission objectives for the battle.  All we need to do is submit to His will and authority.

 

FAITH JUSTIFIES US

 

Now we know what FAITH is and where it comes from, what exactly does it do?

 

Galatians 3:10- For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by FAITH".” 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”

13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through FAITH.....

21 ......Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by FAITH in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before FAITH came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the FAITH which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by FAITH. 25 But after FAITH has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

SONS AND HEIRS

26 For you are all sons of God through FAITH in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

 

ABRAHAM JUSTIFIED BY FAITH

Romans 4:4- What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his FAITH is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,  and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that FAITH was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by FAITH while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the FAITH that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

THE PROMISE REALIZED BY FAITH

13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of FAITH. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, FAITH is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.

16 That is why it depends on FAITH, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

 

FAITH justifies us in God's sight.  What that means is when we have FAITH in Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we are considered righteous, and it is the righteous that enter the kingdom of God and receive everlasting life.  When we have FAITH we are considered Christ's children and therefore heirs to the promise made to Abraham long ago.  Even then, God's promise had no conditions behind it, all you had to do is trust God meant what He said.  Many people insist that in order to receive that promise and to be a part of Isreal, you must follow the law that was established 430 years after God spoke to Abraham.  Reading the above verses clarifies that FAITH is apart from the law, and the law was there to teach sinners what sin was.  It was never a requirement to receive the promise.  Do you remember what that promise was?

 

GOD'S PROMISE TO THE FAITHFUL

 

Genesis 17:1- When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”

 

This promise speaks of the ages that have passed and a time to come when Christ reigns again.  For all of those who are called the heirs of Abraham will come back to the land God promised them and they will be exceedingly numerous.  There they will multiply and dwell forever with God as their King. Isn't that an amazing promise just for having FAITH? How generous is our God!

 

FAITH GIVES US CONFIDENCE

 

What else does this justification through FAITH do?

 

Hebrews 10:19- Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of FAITH, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 

 

Romans 5:1- Therefore, having been justified by FAITH, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by FAITH into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

 

FAITH assures us and gives us confidence.  It is what grants us access to God's grace.  Just like a shield, a warrior with one is more confident than the one without a shield.  When we have FAITH, we know what is going to happen, we know what lies ahead, we know the outcome.  We know that no matter what, our future is secure in Christ.  It may not look good now, but our gracious commander shared with us the plans for battle and what the outcome would be if we follow them.  How wonderful is our God that He reveals to us the future! How gracious is He to comfort us and not leave us in fear and doubt!  When we know the great things that lie ahead, we can have confidence to persevere in times of war.

 

PRAYER THROUGH FAITH IS POWERFUL

 

Now that we have confidence and justification through FAITH to approach God who is holy, how does this affect our prayer life?

 

Matthew 21:22- And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have FAITH.”

 

James 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in FAITH, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

 

Luke 17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our FAITH!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had FAITH like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

 

Mark 11:22-24 And Jesus answered them, “Have FAITH in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

 

Matthew 21:18- In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once.

20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” 21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have FAITH and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have FAITH.”

 

God hears the prayers of the righteous who pray in FAITH.  When we trust God means what He says, we can have confidence to hold Him accountable to His promises.  We know that according to the verses above, if we have even the smallest amount of FAITH, God will give us what we ask for and even the mightiest of mountains will obey us.  Do you believe God when He says this?  When you pray, do you do it in confidence or doubt?  What are the characteristics of someone you know who has a sucessful prayer life?

 

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH

 

1 Timothy 6:11- But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the FAITH. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the FAITH.

Grace be with you.

 

Unfortunately many have let go of the SHIELD of FAITH to pick up a "false knowledge" that does not give them confidence and protection through the blood of Christ. What are some teachings you have heard that promise righteousness and justification aside from FAITH?  Have you been tempted to try another way?  What makes this other way appealing?  I know for me, it has been so very hard to accept that Christ has done it all for me.  As a typical stubborn human being, I want to do it myself so that somehow my efforts justify that I am capable of being worthy.  It is so hard to accept God's unconditional love for so many of us who live in a world where everything must be earned and proven.  So today, let us hold fast to the SHIELD of FAITH and fight the good fight.  Let us not swerve from the teachings of a FAITH that justifies us as righteous.