Selie Visa
Scripture
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. 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. Hebrews 11:1-3
General explanation
Faith is not merely what a person believes, i.e., accurate doctrine or creed, but also and more importantly, that the object of his faith is valid. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Faith is the subsistence of things hoped for. It is the demonstration of things not seen. Faith signifies substance that becomes a foundation for another thing to stand on. It also means such a conviction as is produced in the mind by the demonstration of a problem, after which no doubt remains and no demonstration is required.
Faith is to trust in or reliance on God who is himself trustworthy. God stands at the centre and faith is to be true to him. Throughout the Old Testament the focus of faith is exclusively on the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God's mighty acts on behalf of Israel call for trust and belief in him. In the New Testament, fidelity to God is the sign of the righteous person. God alone can be the object of trust and faithfulness. Faith in Jesus is the manifestation of God's power. Paul explains that faith must be active in love. Without love faith is empty. Faith must also be grounded in hope so that it recognizes that the first-fruits of God's promises manifested in the death and resurrection of Christ will be fulfilled on the last day. He also links faith with righteousness and justification. By faith we see that the thing is, that it cannot but be and that it cannot be otherwise than as it is. Such is the faith by which the soul is justified. On it lives the peace of God which passes all understanding and the Spirit of God witnesses to those who have faith that their sins are blotted out.
The Value of Faith
People are kept secure by faith. We are established faith. We are saved by faith. Sicknesses are healed by faith. We are sanctified by faith. We receive the Holy Spirit by faith. We live by faith. Faith causes men to be a blessing to others. Faith tells us that disbelieving God is a great sin and faith is necessary to please God.
Faith is the Gift of God
Faith is a gift of God. The apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith. Faith is given by the Spirit.
The Purpose of Faith
Faith is necessary to gain understanding and to grow in the truth. Faith is needed to grow in the grace of God. Faith helps us to rejoice.
The effect of Faith
Faith produces internal change and good works. The test of faith produces perseverance and spiritual endurance. Healings are received by faith. Miracles are accomplished by faith.
Faith is not blind faith
Faith is seen in the examples of the ancient servants of God. They are the ancestors, forefathers, such as the patriarchs and prophets who committed their lives to him in unwavering trust and obedience.
By the natural worlds, the earth and visible heavens, we are able to understand the material fabric of the universe. We see trees of different kinds are produced from trees; beasts, birds, and fishes, from others of the same kind; and man, from man. Through faith we understand that God made all these out of nothing. His word tells us so, and we credit that word. Faith is not doubting but having complete confidence in what God has already done and is capable of doing.
Faith is a present and continuing reality, not simply a virtue sometimes practiced in antiquity. It is a living thing, a way of life. There are realities for which we have no material evidence, though they are not the least real for that. Faith enables us to know that they exist and, while we have no certainty apart from faith, faith does give us genuine certainty. Faith is the basis, the substructure of all that the Christian life means, all that the Christian hopes for. Faith is trust in the person of Jesus, the truth of his teaching, and the redemptive work which he accomplished at Calvary.
Faith in God is not taking a blind step into an unknown darkness; it is taking a safe step into a well-lit room. It is jumping into seemingly empty space and landing on solid ground. It is not a blind leap into the dark; it is a sure and confident leap into the arms of God.. the safest place to be.
