Ever since Jesus of Nazareth preached the good news of salvation, Christians have struggled with feeling compelled to do something in order to merit being saved. As early as the 50’s AD when the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Galatia, this struggle has been a documented challenge for believers in Christ as their savior. The Galatians felt compelled to return to the yoke of the Mosaic Laws even after receiving the gift of salvation (Galatians 3:1-5).
Paul articulated that Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son when God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love – Isaac – and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Genesis 22:2. This submission to the will of God was credited to Abraham as righteousness. “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.” Galatians 3:7. In verse eleven, Paul says, “The righteous will live by faith.” The word faith translates from the Greek as a noun-verb hybrid that does not adequately convey the concept of firmness, faithfulness, loyalty, fidelity, commitment, trust and belief.
Paul elaborates on this concept in his epistle to the Ephesians, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.
Jesus portrayed faith from a different perspective when the disciples could not drive out a demon and asked him why. He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Mathew 17:20. Christ implied faith is a complete absence of doubt.
In his epistle to the Hebrews, Paul defines faith in this way: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1. This passage conveys a powerful conviction that transcends what is proven and tangible, however is not associated with gullibility or credulity. Paul expounds on the concept of faith throughout this chapter adding, “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.” Hebrews 11:6. The apostle provides many examples of Old Testament personalities that lived through faith, were persecuted, mistreated and destitute yet never relented in their obedience to God.
Faith is beyond a simple belief. It is active, intuitive, and intentional. Christian faith is an expression of the acceptance of God’s truth as revealed through Christ. When a believer acknowledges Jesus and his atonement, the appropriate response is repentance and forsaking the ways of the world in favor of following Christ. Faith cannot be stagnant. “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26.
As believers in the resurrected Jesus, we enter into an ongoing, intimate relationship, therefore we must be active participants in order for the relationship to be vibrant. Through prayer and worship we honor God through our actions that affirm his existence as our Father and us as his children. As we live our lives and face the inevitable challenges of disappointment or even disaster, our faith will be tested and will develop perseverance. “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him?” James 2:5
Christians travel the journey of life together with God, not alone, therefore our lives are examples of the veracity of faith and subsequently the truth of the gospel. As active participants in our relationship with Christ, we become more like him, exuding his love for others and for God, thereby fulfilling the spirit of the Law without being under the Law. Our lives will be examples of faith, and depictions of the true Christian experience because our faith is credited to us as righteousness.
