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Elementary Principles - Part 3 “Faith Toward God”
Elementary Principles - Part 3
“Faith Toward God”
By Derek Long
The concept of “faith toward God” is mentioned by
the Hebrew writer as part of the “elementary principles of Christ” (Hebrews 6:1-2). Faith toward God is essential in the life of the child of God. Faith toward God is required if we are going to grow further in our knowledge of God’s word. What are some things we need to understand about “faith toward God”?
• Faith toward God involves believing God exists. Hebrews 11:6 speaks about the necessity of faith. It says one must “believe that He is.” God has provided plenty of evidence to convince an honest hearted person of His existence. People who look out at the world around them and do not see the evidence for God’s existence are without excuse (Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1).
• Faith toward God involves having an accurate view of God. Hebrews 11:6 also points out one must believe God “is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Faith toward God requires us to know about the character of God and then to act in response to God’s character. If one believes God will reward those who diligently seek Him, then one would naturally seek to diligently seek God.
• Faith toward God involves not just possessing a mental assent to God’s existence and character but acts upon such a belief. James 2:14-26 explains how a faith without works is dead. Faith moves one to act and a faith which does not move one to act cannot be a saving faith. Many people in the religious world want to speak about people being saved by faith only. The Bible clearly tells us, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24).
• Faith involves us believing in evidence for an unseen reality. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith involves a conviction of belief in something one has not observed with the physical eyes. John 1:18 and 1 John 4:12 say we have never seen God. We believe in several things which we have not seen based upon sufficient evidence and we should believe in God based upon the sufficient evidence of His existence. 2 Corinthians 5:7 shows walking by faith means we are not walking by sight.
• Faith toward God is something which must be maintained. Jude 20 says, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith.” It is not good enough to have believed at one time and stop acting out
of faith in God. Faith toward God needs to direct
everything about our lives.
• Faith toward God will cause us to trust His revelation
above our own thinking. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” Faith in God leads us to follow His instructions instead of our own fallible human wisdom (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12; 16:25).
Do we posses a faith toward God? Do we believe God’s will and allow it to direct our steps? Are we trusting and acting upon God’s instructions for us?
- Bulletin_-_3_24_19.pdf (54.54 kB)
