The Importance of Having Faith
1.9 - Foundations of the Christian Faith
The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). So, to have faith means that we believe the Gospel is the truth: that Jesus died for our sins, rose from the dead, and rules over our lives. Therefore, we entrust ourselves to him as our Savior and obey him as our Lord. Paul said it best in the book of Romans: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (Romans 10:9–10). Likewise, Paul declares, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith’” (Romans 1:16-17).
Our faith also extends to God’s written Word. Because we believe that the Bible is trustworthy and given by God, we receive it with faith and act upon it by faith. Peter tells us God’s “divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:2-5).
Our faith also extends to the sacraments. When we come to the Lord’s Table for Holy Communion, we believe that the simple bread and wine become for us the very body and blood of Jesus Christ. How does this happen? When does this happen? We don’t know. It’s a mystery. Moreover, if we knew, it would no longer be a matter of faith. This is the reason that one person can come to the table and find a fountain of grace, while another comes to the table but walks away with just juice and crackers. It operates by the faith of the believer. If we don’t truly believe that the sacrament is given to us as “a means of grace,” then we miss out on the power of the sacramental event. So, it’s a simple matter, really. Apply your faith and choose to believe that the sacrament is “a means of grace.” Remember, “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). You don’t have to have it all figured out in advance. Just believe and receive.
Our faith also extends to the gifts of the spirit. Just like the sacraments, the gifts of the spirit are operated by faith. We understand that Jesus has baptized us in the Holy Spirit to empower us to be His witnesses. We believe that the gifts of the spirit have been given to assist us in this task. When we prophecy, speak in tongues, or operate the gift of miracles, we do so by faith. We don’t wait for some kind of evidence to show up that we are experiencing something real. If you are waiting for proof, then you are not operating in faith. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us this about faith: “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” (Hebrews 11:6). Paul tells us that we “can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged” (1 Corinthians 14:31). So, let’s turn our faces toward Jesus, tune to flow, and simply speak or pray or declare or act. The Lord will be pleased with our faith, and He will show up in power to build His kingdom through us. Just believe.
Your assignment: Read the following scriptures to see what God’s Word says about Faith.
John 1:9–13
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Hebrews 11:1, 6
1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. 5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Psalm 40:1–10
1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
and put their trust in him.4 Blessed is the one
who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, Lord my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
but my ears you have opened—
burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.
8 I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.”9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, Lord,
as you know.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly.
Proverbs 3:5–8
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
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