In the journey of the Christian faith, understanding how faith is obtained is Important for spiritual growth and living a victorious life. It's a journey involving the divine gift of faith and our response to God's word. In this episode of the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body Blog from Doxa Missions, we look at the scriptural basis of obtaining faith, emphasizing its significance in pleasing God, and its application in various aspects of life including salvation, healing, and overcoming the world.
Faith: A Divine Endowment
Faith as a Gift from God
The apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:8 makes it clear that faith is a gracious gift from God, not a product of our own efforts: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." This foundational truth underlines the concept that faith originates from God's benevolence. Similarly, Romans 12:3 reveals that God has distributed a measure of faith to every individual, indicating that the potential for faith resides within us all: "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Furthermore, Romans 10:17 explains that faith grows through interaction with the Word of God, illustrating that faith's sustenance and strengthening are scripturally based: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
The Pleasing Nature of Faith
Hebrews 11:6 highlights that without faith, it's impossible to please God: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." This statement isn't merely about faith's existence but its active role in our relationship with God. It suggests that faith is more than belief—it's trust and reliance on God's character and promises. Mark 11:22, when understood from the original Greek, invites us to possess the faith "of God," implying a faith that mirrors God’s own certainty in His words and deeds.
The Substance of Faith
Faith, according to Hebrews 11:1, is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." This definition transitions faith from abstract to tangible, describing it as the "title deed" or concrete evidence of our spiritual inheritance. Job 23:12 further illustrates that faith is nurtured by valuing God's word above all, indicating that our spiritual nourishment directly affects our faith's vitality: "Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food."
Faith in Action
Salvation through Faith
Salvation, as detailed in Ephesians 2:8 and Romans 10:8-17, is attainable through faith. This process is not a solitary act but involves confession, belief, and calling upon the Lord, demonstrating faith's dynamic nature in salvation.
Faith for Healing
The narrative of healing in Acts 14:8-10 emphasizes that individual faith, cultivated through hearing God's word, is critical for healing. This concept is reinforced in Romans 1:16 and Acts 8:5-8, showing that faith's power is unlocked through the Gospel's proclamation and acceptance.
Overcoming the World by Faith
1 John 5:4-5 and related scriptures declare that faith is the victory that overcomes the world. This overcoming faith is rooted in recognizing and aligning with God's word and promises, effectively enabling believers to transcend worldly challenges.
Distinguishing True Faith from Mental Assent
John Wesley’s insight into mental assent versus genuine faith reveals a crucial distinction: mental assent acknowledges the truth of God's word without the full commitment of belief, whereas true faith unconditionally accepts God's word as reality now. This understanding is Important in realizing and manifesting the promises of God in our lives.
Nurturing Your Faith: Practical Steps
Daily Devotion: Set aside time each day for prayer and reading the Bible. Let these moments be your spiritual nourishment.
Community: Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage, challenge, and support you in your faith journey.
Service: Look for opportunities to serve within your church and community. Acts of service not only demonstrate our faith but also strengthen it.
Witnessing: Share your faith journey with others. Testimonies of God's faithfulness can inspire and bolster your faith and that of others.
How Faith is Obtained: The Reality of Faith
Mark 11:24 encapsulates the essence of living by faith—believing in the fulfillment of God's promises even before they materialize. This principle requires us to focus on the solution rather than the problem, affirming God's faithfulness in every situation.
In essence, faith is both a divine endowment and a personal responsibility. It grows from hearing God's word, is manifested through our actions, and overcomes the challenges of life. As believers, our task is to cultivate this faith, immerse ourselves in Scripture, and apply its truths, thereby walking in the fullness of life that God has intended for us.
What are your thoughts or experiences with growing in faith? Share in the comments below and let's encourage one another in our faith journeys.