| The Christian Life | February 1940 |
Faith
HEBREWS 11:6 declares that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Every consecrated follower of the Master desires to please God, hence it should be profitable to us as Christians to give consideration to the subject of faith in order that we may understand better what it is, and what it accomplishes in our Christian lives. The Christian’s whole aim should be to please God. Failing in this effort we fail in everything, as Christians. We may prosper according to worldly standards, yea may “gain the whole world,” but without faith in God and in His will for us which makes that will a guiding principle in our lives, we are certain to lose everything, even life itself.
“Faith is the victory that overcometh the world,” declares another apostle. (I John 5:4) The worldly spirit is a selfish, grasping one. It is God’s will that the Christian be unselfish, willing, yea determined, to sacrifice the flesh and its interests for the benefit of others, and for the glory of God. Only faith in God and in the wisdom and ultimate triumph of divine love will enable the Christian to turn his back upon the ways of the world and the flesh and yield himself fully to the influences of God’s Holy Spirit.
To the physically blind who sought to be healed, Jesus said, “According to your faith be it unto you.” (Matt. 9:29) Spiritual vision also depends upon faith. In fact, spiritual health and prosperity along all lines depend upon and are in proportion to the degree of our faith in God and in His promises. For this reason we should pray for an increase of faith; and praying for it, be rightly exercised by the experiences which divine wisdom permits us to have in order to promote the increase for which we have asked. The apostle explains that our faith is precious, like the gold that is tried in the fire. (I Pet. 1:7) Yes, God tries and develops our faith through fiery trials, but we have the assurance that He, as the great Refiner, will not permit us to be tried above that which we are able to bear. To really believe that this is so is to have a
“… faith that will not shrink
Though pressed by every foe;
That will not tremble on the brink
Of any earthly woe.”
AN INSPIRED DEFINITION OF FAITH
What then is this factor so important in the Christian life, that without it we cannot please God, and with it can overcome the world, and rejoice in the severest of trials? The apostle answers the question saying, “Now faith is the ‘basis’ of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1) Some translators use the word “conviction” instead of “evidence.” This gives us a better understanding of the apostle’s meaning. Faith is the basis of things hoped for, because by it we have a “conviction” that the unseen things of God are realities.
The worldly minded person says, “I can have faith only in those things which I can see,” but by faith the Christian is able to turn his back upon the “things that are seen,” and is able to look upon and have full confidence in the unseen things of God. Faith, thus, is the foundation of all that the Christian hopes for. Faith’s vision is inspired by the promises of God; but to have eyes that can “see” that vision one must first of all “believe that God is, and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Such a faith is far from being credulity; nor is it a “blind” faith. To the reasonable mind there is much evidence that God exists; and it is reasonable to suppose that He is interested in His intelligent creatures here upon the earth. An understanding of the harmony of the Bible and the reasonableness of the divine plan therein set forth constitutes a good foundation for belief that the promises it contains are indeed the promises of God. Vital faith in those promises, having given him a “conviction” of the reality of unseen things, will lead one to forsake all things visible and material and start out in the narrow way of God’s will in order that he may attain unto the unseen things of God—those things which are “eternal in the heavens.”
Faith, then, is not a mere act of life; but an attitude which promotes acts. It is not a mere event in the Christian life, but a principle which creates events. It is that attitude and that principle, which, by enabling the Christian to lay hold upon the promises and the commands of God, inspires him to self-sacrificing obedience making him pleasing to God. It is not something which the Christian in an emergency or trial falls back upon as a last resort, but a continuous, abiding necessity in Christian growth, progress and victory. It must be a factor in all our spiritual reckonings, causing and enabling us to set aside the earthly in order to attain the heavenly, impelling us to “die with Him, that we may live with Him.”—Rom. 6:8; II Tim. 2:11
FAITH NECESSARY AMONG MEN
The element of faith in human associations is a good illustration of its value as a factor in the Christian’s relationship to God. Faith, that is, confidence, belief, trust in one another, is one of the commonest things to natural man; although rapidly on the wane in the hectic, mad world of today. It is a trust in one another’s word, in one another’s virtue, in what we are told of things we have never known or seen for ourselves. Such a faith and trust lies at the foundation of all worth-while human association. It is a necessary factor in the relationship of children to parents, and of teacher to pupils. How important is family faith; business faith; banking faith; employee-employer faith; city, state, and national government faith! It is the breaking down of faith along all these lines that is helping to bring the world to a state of ruin in these “last days.”
When one can no longer trust the word of another, he is said to have lost faith in that individual. Christian faith, then, is simply taking God at His Word; believing that His word is trustworthy and reliable. The Christian must have this persuasion, this confidence that God is what His Word declares Him to be, in order to enter the narrow way of sacrifice; and as he walks with God his “conviction” is deepened, because he has learned through repeated experiences that God’s Word never fails.
True, there are times when our faith may temporarily waver, but this is because, like Peter of old, we look away from the Lord, and begin to put our confidence in the flesh—either our own or that of others. “There hath not failed one word of all God’s promises,” nor will a single word ever fail; hence there can be no valid reason for ever losing our confidence in God. It would be just as reasonable to suppose that the literal heaven and earth would pass away, as to think it possible that His Word might fail.—I Kings 8:56
DIVINE ASSURANCES
God has given us wondrous tokens of the inviolability of His Word. Paul tells us about one, saying, “He that spared not His own Son, … how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.” (Rom. 8:32) In Isaiah 45:23 we are told of another. Here the Lord assures us of the ultimate victory of His cause among all men, and reminds us of the reliability of His Word, saying, “I have sworn by Myself, the word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” This is evidently a reference to God’s oath-bound covenant with Abraham, that through his seed all the families of the earth were to be blessed.
Paul tells us in Hebrews 6:17,18 that God confirmed the promise to Abraham with His oath because He was “willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel,” and that this, together with the fact that it “is impossible for God to lie,” means that we “have a strong consolation,” who have laid “hold upon the hope set before us.” It is by the conviction of faith that we lay hold upon this hope, and. how condescending on the part of God to be “willing” not only to give us His word, but to bind that word with His oath. Truly the Christian can sing:
“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word;
What more can He say, than to you He hath said,
You who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?”
FAITH THE BASIS OF POSITIVE CONVICTION
As already noted, it is only when we lose sight of God and His promises that our faith is not as strong as it should be. “When we think of self we tremble, when we look to Him we’re strong,” is a truism of first importance in the Christian’s relationship to God. And when we do look to God, it is with full assurance that we are looking to One who not only has made promises, binding them with His oath, but who also is able to make good those promises. Paul says, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.”—II Tim. 1:12
Ah yes, we “know” whom we have believed—this knowledge must be the basis of our abiding and increasing faith. What tragic experiences and sad disappointments have come to men and women as a result of trusting strangers! But God is not a stranger to those whom He has taken into His: family, and made His sons. From the time these received their first inkling of knowledge concerning Him, they began to trust Him. The more they learned, the deeper became their confidence; until, like Paul, they were able to commit everything unto Him, knowing that all the issues of their lives would have His loving, sympathetic attention, and that in “that day” they would receive the promised “crown of righteousness” which the Lord hath reserved for them that love Him.—II Tim. 4:8
And then, giving ourselves wholly to Him and becoming His children, we become acquainted with God as our Father. A personal, intimate acquaintanceship develops between the Heavenly Father and His children, and this constitutes a still firmer foundation for our faith. Day after day we learn to know Him better. We experience His grace to help in time of need; and note that with the increase of our needs His grace is all-sufficient and never-failing. We see how He solves the problems which are too perplexing for us; and removes the obstacles in our path which are too formidable for us to overcome. As we thus experience His tender, sympathetic care over us, and realize how very easy it is for Him to cope with the difficulties that, without His help, would overwhelm us, we exclaim with the prophet: “Ah Lord God! behold Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee.”—Jer. 32:17
This personal, experimental knowledge of God and the reliability of His Word is likened to having God’s Word in our hearts. (Psa. 119:11; Deut. 6:6) Having God’s Word thus in our hearts means that our confidence in it will be so firmly established that we will not be liable to give ear to the various seductive voices, nor yield to the flesh-pleasing influences which seek to draw us away from the pathway of true and abiding faith in the divine plan and will for us. These substitutes for faith are many and varied, and Satan may present them to us through father, mother, sister, brother, friend, ‘‘Society,” “organization,” or other human channels. The Christian, realizing the danger of these “earthborn clouds” that may arise and come between him and his Heavenly Father, will ever seek to be in the attitude described by the poet, saying,
“My soul be on thy guard,
Ten thousand foes arise;
The hosts of sin are pressing hard
To draw thee from the prize.”
WHAT WE RECEIVE THROUGH FAITH
Only by noting the Scriptural testimony relative to the things which faith makes possible in the way of blessings from God, are we able to realize the extent to which the flood-gates of divine love are by it opened up to fill our lives with all the fullness of God. How our own hearts respond with the desire to show our appreciation to those who trust us, who have confidence in our integrity. How few throughout all the ages have really believed in God. Eve was deceived into doubting the integrity of the Creator’s word; and all nations since then have likewise been deceived. No wonder Jesus said that there is “joy in heaven” over one sinner that repenteth. True repentance, must, of necessity, be based upon belief in God; and what rich blessings God bestows upon those who make glad His heart simply by believing Him and trusting in Him!
The villainous slanders against God and His character will be dispelled when the Kingdom is established, and then the knowledge of His glory will fill the earth. Confidence in God will, even then, be necessary for those who are pleasing to Him, but the exercise of confidence will be made much easier by the abundant manifestations of God’s love and power which will then be visible to the natural eye, and clearly understandable to the mortal mind. But until then, and while darkness has continued to cover the earth, God has been specially blessing and rewarding those who believe in Him by inviting them to cooperate with Him in the outworking of His plan.
Abraham, the father of the faithful, became the friend of God. How could anyone be a friend of another without having confidence in him? Abraham believed in God, so they were friends. An even more intimate relationship exists between God and His, sons during this age. We enter this blessed fraternity upon the basis of our confidence in the integrity of God’s Word. He accepts us upon the basis of His provision in Christ and our covenant with Him. The only thing that can destroy this blessed friendship is our own unfaithfulness, because God is never unfaithful. But O, the tragedy for us if we break confidence with God!
In order to comprehend, in more detail, some of the many blessings that are ours through faith, we here note, briefly, as follows, some of the specific things mentioned by the Scriptures, and declared to be made available to us upon the basis of belief:
Remission of sins: “Whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:43) Life itself depends upon this blessing of the remission of sins.
Justification: “By Him all that believe are justified from all things.” All the rich blessing of divine friendship and sonship are dependent upon our being justified.—Acts 13:39
Sanctification: “To open their eyes … that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.” (Acts 26:18) The Word of truth is the sanctifying medium in our lives, but its effectiveness depends upon our belief in it, and in the God who inspired it, as well, also, as in His Son whom He has commissioned to execute it.
Salvation: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31) Christ’s death, the basis of salvation for the whole world, avails nothing to us as individuals apart from our faith in its divinely declared efficacy.
Life: “These [things] are written, that believing, ye might have life through His name. (John 20:31; 3:16) “These [things] are written”—but what value would there be in the writing of them were we to turn away from the words of life as though they were but an idle tale of an irresponsible dreamer?
The Holy Spirit: “That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal. 3:14) Through His Spirit God guides us, comforts us, strengthens us; but to receive that Spirit we must believe.
Hope, joy, peace: “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God.” (Rom. 5:1) And “We have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” (Rom. 5:2) And, believing fully in God’s ability to care for us, we have the “peace of God, which passeth all understanding.”—Phil. 4:7
Answers to prayers: “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” (James 1:6) Without faith our prayers are no more than empty words, but through faith they are the means of opening the windows of heaven that there may be showered upon us all the rich blessings of divine grace.
Sonship: “Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:26) “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God,” yet the bestowing of this great love depends upon our faith.
Additionally, the Scriptures reveal that we live by faith (Gal. 2:20); we stand by faith (Rom. 11:20); we “quench all the fiery darts of the adversary” by faith (Eph. 6:16); we fight the Christian warfare by faith (I Tim. 6:12); we resist the adversary by being “stedfast in the faith” (I Pet. 5:9); we become grounded and settled by continuing in the faith (Col. 1:23); we become spiritually strong through faith, as illustrated in the experience of Abraham, who “was strong in faith” (Rom. 4:20); we abound in the blessing of the Lord through faith (II Cor. 8:7); we grow in faith and because of faith (II Thess. 1:3); successful preaching of the truth depends upon faith (Heb. 4:2); etc.
“UNFEIGNED FAITH” AND “FULL OF FAITH”
Various terms are used in the Scriptures to describe a faith that is pleasing to God. In I Timothy 1:5 the apostle speaks of an “unfeigned faith.” This, evidently, is a faith that is genuine, one that is not a mere profession. An unfeigned faith would be one that is demonstrated by works consistent therewith. A “make-believe” faith would be dead so far as having any influence with God is concerned.
Jesus said to Peter, “O thou of little faith.” In contrast to this we are told that St. Stephen was “full of faith.” (Acts 6:5,8) Because of Peter’s “little faith” he was fearful of perishing; but because the deacon Stephen was “full of faith” he went heroically to his death as the first Christian martyr. But Peter’s “little faith” grew, so that later, he too, was able to suffer joyfully even unto death. Faith, then, can grow and increase in the Christian life; and as faith increases, wavering decreases, and we become “strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”—Eph. 6:10
So important is the principle of faith as the means by which we contact God and are able to please Him, that His plan is spoken of as “the faith,” and, the “most holy faith.” These expressions are calculated to embrace all the promises, and commands of God, in which we have faith. Our reliance upon these promises, and our obedience to these commands are the means by which our faith in God, who gave them, is demonstrated. Without this revelation of His will and plan, we have no basis for a justifying faith. We might believe that there is a God—the devils do, and tremble—but it is only when we demonstrate our confidence in Him by relying upon and obeying His Word, that we are said to have a genuine faith. How appropriate, then, that this sure foundation for our faith should be designated as the “most holy faith.”—Jude 20
FAITH A GIFT OF GOD
Faith is a gift of God. (Eph. 2:8; John 6:65) The qualities of heart and mind which enable one to believe in God and in His promises, are a gift from the Creator. The apostle tells us that all men do not have faith. (II Thess. 3:2) All perfect men would have faith, but mankind has fallen, and in many, the ability to exercise faith has been lost, Not only is the ability to exercise faith a gift of God, but His Word of truth upon which our faith is based, is from Him also. Yes, it is all by grace, so that we have nothing whereof to boast, because we have received all from God.
Not only is faith a gift of God in the first instance but our continued exercise of faith depends upon the assurance of His continued grace. We have already noted the wonderful way by which God assures us of the integrity of His Word, and how His oath-bound promises guarantee that those who put their trust in Him shall never be ashamed; but let us note additionally some of the inspired testimonies of His faithful prophets and apostles respecting God’s faithfulness as a promise-keeping God.
To the Israelites Joshua said: “Ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which Jehovah your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed.”—Joshua 23:14
David says: “Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and Thy faithfulness reaches unto the clouds. (Psa. 36:5) Again: “Thy faithfulness shalt Thou establish in the very heavens. O Jehovah God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto Thee? or to Thy faithfulness round about Thee?”—Psa. 89:2,8
St Paul says: “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son.” (I Cor. 1:9) Again: “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able … to bear it.” (I Cor. 10:13) Also, “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.” (I Thess. 5:24) Again: “The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” (II Thess. 3:3) Once more: “He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself.”—II Tim. 2:13
In these various testimonies of God’s faithfulness we are assured of His intention and ability to care for us in trial and temptation; to protect us from the adversary; to extend mercy to us in our weaknesses; and to so faithfully carry out His promises on our behalf that, having been called to the fellowship, or partnership with His Son, He will enable us, through Christ, to render acceptable service as we endeavor to do our part as co-laborers with Him. Surely we do have a firm foundation for faith.
FAITH IN THE DIVINE PLAN
Not only is it of fundamental importance that we exercise faith in God’s willingness and ability to care for us; but it is equally important that we have faith in His entire plan of salvation; that it will ultimately work out to His glory and to the blessing of all who ultimately believe. Paul speaks of this latter faith, saying, “In faith we perceive that the ages have been so thoroughly adjusted by God’s command, that not from things then manifest the things now seen have come to pass.”—Heb. 11:3, Diaglott
What a true statement this is of the manner in which the plan of the ages has been developing! Nothing occurred in the ages past by which one then living could determine what future ages would bring forth. Only God knew the end from the beginning; and the entire plan has been working out according to His commands, because the word that goeth forth out of His mouth shall not return unto Him void, but accomplishes that which He pleases, and prospers in the things whereto He sends it.—Isa. 55:11
Now that we have reached the “time of the end,” when the “mystery of God should be finished,” it is the privilege of the consecrated to see in one glorious panoramic view the entire scope of the ages, and to comprehend the things yet to come, the “times of restitution of all things spoken by the mouth of all God’s holy prophets since the world began.” And what a glorious vision faith thus brings before us. May our faith in that vision never waver. May we more faithfully demonstrate our faith in the vision by enthusiastically cooperating with God in that part of His plan which He entrusts to us, as His ambassadors in a dark and bewildered world.
True faith in God’s plan precludes the making of plans of our own, either for ourselves or for others. If our faith is pure and simple, we will take Him at His Word, and will know that His way for us, and for everybody else, is best. In short, that the entire divine plan bespeaks infinite wisdom, justice, love and power, in which we can safely and rejoicingly trust while we look to Him for the strength that will enable us to be “faithful unto death.”—Rev. 2:10