FAITH

Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

11:3, By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God,

11:6, 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.

I Peter 1:5, who are kept by the power of God through faith

1:7, that the genuineness of your faith,

1:9, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.

1:21, …so that your faith and hope are in God.

Acts 3:16, And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know.  Yes, the faith which comes through Him.

The word “FAITH” shows up 304 times in the New Testament.  So, just what is this word about?

For my own help – I have turned it into an acronym in order to both grasp its meaning and to be able to better explain it to others.  Here it is:

F – Facts

A – Accept

I – Internalize (“I”)

T – Trust

H – Herald

So, what does each mean?

1. Faith is hearing of, learning of, knowing the facts.  There is a God who claims to have created all and came in the flesh to live among man only to be killed on a cross and come back to life and rules now from Heaven. This, plus a host of other facts.  The F is about Facts – knowing the points.
2. The second idea is to “A” – accept the facts. That means, you agree with them.  You believe there is a God, the world is created, Jesus was very special – even God, that He died, was buried and rose and is now seated in Heaven.  You believe these and more.  You agree with the things declared in the Bible.  You accept the SSB doctrinal statement.  That, however, does not save you.
3. The third step, “I” is grasping the facts believed (FA) in a personal way. The “I” is to internalize. The “I” is believing the things of the Bible are about me and I am part of this story.

Colossians 1:9, to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Proverbs 2:6, For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

Proverbs 4:7, Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

Facts are about knowledge.  So, I learn that 2 plus 2 equals 4.

Then I need to agree that 2 plus 2 is 4.  If I add two Milky Ways to two Almond Joys, I have four.

So, I have knowledge and now I understand.  I understand the value of 2 and the principle of addition.

I have knowledge about Jesus dying and rising and I agree – yet, I am NOT saved as even the Devil knows and agrees.

The third aspect – individualize – is about the middle letter, “I”.  How does this apply to me?  Wisdom is grasping the personal aspect that knowledge and understanding (FA) have on my life.

Wisdom is coming to grips with the idea that Jesus died for me and that His sacrifice was because of me.

These 3 are critically important, but I’m still not saved.  Jesus died for me – but faith says I act on such.

Then comes the fourth point – the “T” part.  What do I do?  This is now a matter of my will.  Will I let this change me?  Will I get out of my Worldview Box (there is a triune God, nature is His creation and under His control, where I came from, why I am here, where am I going, and what is evil – determined how? by the Ten Commandments).  Will I get out of my boat of safety and step onto the water in order to move to and embrace Jesus as my Lord and Savior?  “T” is an action step.  I step from and step to Jesus.

And lastly, if I am saved, I talk about it!  “H” – Herald it (declare it).  I talk to God giving thanks, praise and glory.  I talk to others – that there is an answer for guilt, fear, and anger – and it is Jesus!  Jesus SAVES!  I Herald – “H” – about my find, my salvation, and my new life!  The redeemed of the Lord say so!!!

So, this FAITH talked of so often in the Bible is my response to Jesus and how I can live pleasing to God!