Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 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. 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 love the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary because Noah Webster’s published it primarily so Americans could read and understand the words of the Bible in accurate context. The word “faith” is defined in theology as, the assent of the mind or understanding to the truth of what God has revealed. Simple belief of the Holy Scriptures, of the being and perfections of God, and of the existence, character and doctrines of Christ, founded on the testimony of the sacred (inspired by God) writers. Evangelical, justifying, or saving faith, is the assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God's testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God's character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to his guidance, and dependence on his merits for salvation. In other words, that firm belief of God's testimony, and of the truth of the gospel, which influences the will, and leads to an entire reliance on Christ for salvation.
1 Corinthians 13:12-13 “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” We live within the dimension of time, space and matter created by God. Almighty God exists in the spiritual realm which is invisible with glimpses revealed for a dim view for now. Romans 1:20 explains, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” The irreducible complexity of life, the data information with the DNA of every living organism, the physical evidence within the rock layers have every honest Scientist faithfully glorifying God to whom it all points. Nobody was here during the creation of the earth, but Adam was alive to tell the nine generations after him, including Noah’s father Lamech.
2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, not by sight”, but it is a “sure faith”. The biblical accounts of history are being confirmed daily by Archeology, Geology, Biology, Astronomy, and branches of Science that follow the evidence and ongoing discoveries uncovered and observed. Creation defies natural explanation, yet is only believed by faith because Creator God cannot be physically seen; only His fingerprints on everything. Faith is the basis of purpose because Creator God does not create anything without a purpose. It is unbelief with its misguided faith that is without excuse.
Yet, the greatest is “saving faith”. Because of the Fall of Man, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by God’s grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. The wages of sin against our just and holy Creator is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 2:8 tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” For God made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. We are not in Heaven yet, but faith in Jesus is the ticket in. That is the basis of our faith and our blessed assurance.
In Christ, Brian
No comments:
Post a Comment