For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” – Romans 1:17
What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 states, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.” The faith of a Christian is the firm confidence of believers that comes from an inner conviction that is not solely based upon visible matters. For those who have chosen to follow Christ in obedience, they have taken their first step out of the boat of self-reliance and began to walk on the waters of faith. However, faith is not irrational. On the contrary, the Christian faith is very rational. Dr. William Lane Craig (a well-known Christian philosopher and apologist) states, “I think faith is trusting in that which we have good reason to think is true, so that faith and reason are not contrary to each other, but rather faith is trusting in something that we have good reason to think is true.” Faith requires the individual to weigh out the options of life, consider the cost, and then make a choice. Although faith does not require the individual to possess complete certainty, rather faith is when the individual does not have all the answers but trusts God anyway. As one continues to trust in God and His goodness, they will grow in their confidence. Throughout Scripture, God’s primary focus has been to call mankind to place their faith in Him. He calls us to trust Him, to believe Him, to follow Him, and to love Him. The God of the universe is calling every person to faith. But why is God so concerned about us having faith? Because He loves us and wants to save us! Ephesians 2:8 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Thus, faith is the vehicle through which God, by His grace, offers us the gift of salvation. God calls us to faith so that we can be made righteous and be in a right standing relationship with Him. Through faith, God offers us spiritual clarity and eternal life. Likewise, faith allows the believer to persevere and endure through the trials of life. Matthew 17:20 states, “I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” The mustard seed was one of the smallest seeds known in Christ’s day. Jesus used the mustard seed as an analogy for a small amount of faith. Jesus taught His disciples that if they had even the smallest amount of faith, then they would be able to overcome even the most mountainous obstacles. Even a little faith in an infinite God, allows us to achieve the impossible. However, we must continue to guard our faith and ensure that we persevere. Colossians 1:21-23 states, “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.” Therefore, we must be steadfast in our faith in the gospel message. Faith is not a one and done event, it is a life of continued trust.
So, all we must do is place our faith in God? That’s it? Well, yes and no. James 2:19-20 states, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe – and tremble! But do you want to know, o foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” James reminds us that even the demons believe in God. Faith is more than just giving intellectual assent to the existence of God. A true living faith is demonstrated through the actions of the believer. Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Without good works, our faith is dead. And without a living faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Thus, believers must cultivate a saving faith that is living and active. That is not to say that we earn our salvation. God is the one who saves. Faith is our passive response to God’s grace which enables us to perform good works that please and honor Him.
Do you want to overcome the mountains in your life? Have faith. Do you want to be justified and have eternal life? Have faith. Do you want to please and honor God? Have faith. As Romans 1:17 reminds us, “The just shall live by faith.”
Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? If not, trust in Him today!
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