Subject: need for a bible-anyone |
Bible Note: A few notes on faith. See He 10:37-38. The attribute of Faith is having complete trust, confidence, reliance and loyalty in God. Faith is shown by a person’s willful obedience to God’s law and is not the simple belief that God’s law exists without need of any future consideration. To have faith means you act upon your belief! We understand God’s word is truth and that we live under a New Covenant. What is our obligation under that covenant? Why is the Law of Faith one that calls for action rather than passivity? Why is faith in God always associated with work? What is Faith? - See He 11:1-2 –Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval... -Faith is the unquestioning belief that underlies a person’s response to a duty or obligation. Each of the many examples of Hebrews demonstrate how God’s people of the Old Covenant proved their trust in God. -“the men of old gained approval” through their righteous actions: -Abel offered a better sacrifice v. 4 -Enoch walked with God, because God found him “pleasing” (v. 5) -Noah built the ark (v. 7) What is belief? - Belief is defined by Webster’s’ New World dictionary as “to take as true”. To believe something as true does not automatically lead to action. JA 2:19 (….the demons also believe and shudder.) -Cain believed his sacrifice was as good as Abel’s, etc. What separates us from Demons? -Faith. Christians are called to be faithful to fulfill our obligation to God. See Col 1:1-29 Where does faith come from? -From hearing the word of God. See Ro10:17, but also above. Why is this important? -The world preaches, “all you must do is believe and you’ll be saved. No action is necessary. Work was required in the past, but no longer”. Numerous passages throughout the N.T., however, speak of the action God commands of a Christian as proof of their faith. -Rom 12:1-2 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. NAS James 1:21-22 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. NAS (note: The remainder of these notes are continued on a second post due to space.) |