The True Nature of Faith

The True Nature of Faith

Faith, as it is often practiced today, seems less the supernatural phenomenon described in scripture, in the “substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen,” a perspective and confidence that supercedes our physical reality. Rather, it seems more of a type of “hope, wish, and a prayer” often ridiculed in our popular culture. Unless the Biblical truth concerning what is required to actually begin to approach God and, more importantly, to please Him, is explained and made evident by our Christian teaching and example, it will be lost forever to a generation of young people Biblically unschooled and befuddled by guided misconceptions.
Faith, as it is explained in scripture, is not hoping, but it is knowing that the Lord will intercede for us as born-again Christians (Mark 11:22-24, Matt. 21:21-22, 1 Peter 3:12, Heb. 4:14-16). It is a belief not based on personal cause and effect observations or life experiences in the physical world; faith does not rely on scientific laws or physical realities at all (2 Cor. 4:13-18). It is the confidence placed in the Word and assurances of the Maker and Sustainer of everything, the One who gave us life and mercifully revealed Himself to us. It is an understanding born of scriptural study (Rom. 10-17) and countless intercessions on our behalf in times of need and crisis. It is a shifting of the mind from the bondage of fear and doubt--plagued thinking, to a free realm of positive expectations and results (Mark 4: 37-41, I John 4:17-18, Heb. 10:35). It is an active choice made daily, moment by moment, in its purest form, absolutely essential for victorious living.
The main reason faith exists is to please God, and it is impossible to please Him without it (Heb. 11:16). This truth is such a main tenet of Christian belief that it almost goes without saying. But, if the true faith described by scripture, a belief constant and certain despite all worldly reason, often goes unrecognized, does that mean God is seldom pleased with our endeavors, and if not pleased, is He disappointed, even displeased? If so, it would then follow that the often unproductive nature of the modern Christian life is not so mysterious. It is to be expected, if the modern mind is fully immersed in the cares, the delusions of some sciences, the mistruths and outright lies of secular civilization meant to misdirect and hamper naive believers.
Therefore, it is our Christian duty to display in our words and deeds, not “hope, a wish, and a prayer,” but true faith, with knowledge and sometimes grim diligence, despite all hindrances, obstacles, temporary hardships, and arguments to the contrary, with assurance and determination, set our course and see it through to the end to the Lord’s honor and glory without waiver. This is true faith in thought and action. It is what we owe to Him who gave His all for us, to all the unsaved souls who observe and measure our faith, and to all the Christian generations that look to us for wisdom and guidance.

J. Wallace