Faith is the positive aspect of true conversion, the human side of regeneration. In repentance, the sinner turns away from sin, while in faith he turns to Christ. These are inseparable, the one from the other. True repentance cannot exist apart from faith, nor faith from repentance. It has been said that repentance is faith in action, and faith is repentance at rest.
Faith, like repentance, involves a change of mind. In repentance it is a recognition of sin, personal guilt, defilement, and helplessness. In faith it is a recognition of the truth of God’s revelation of the reality of salvation provided in Christ. A change of feeling. In repentance, it is sorrow for sin committed against God. In faith, it is assent to the revelation of God’s power and grace in Christ Jesus, as applied to the present needs of the soul. A change of purpose. In repentance, cleansing. In faith, it is receiving Christ as Lord and Savior and appropriating Him as the source of pardon and spiritual life.
I. It’s Meaning
1. Hebrews 11:1
2. Faith is the assurance or confirmation of the things we hope for, the proof of things we do not see and the unquestioned conviction of their reality. True faith is composed of three things:
a. Knowledge.
1) One must be informed before he can have faith.
2) It is impossible to have faith in Christ without the Word. Romans 10:17
3) An increase in faith is not obtained by asking for it, but by the reading of the Word.
b. Belief.
1) To believe means to accept it as truth.
2) Faith is not belief without evidence.
3) It is belief on the absolute best of evidence, the word of Him who cannot lie. Titus 1:2
4) Faith is so rational that it asks no other evidence that this, and to require other evidence that the word of Him who cannot lie” is not rationalism, but ignorance and stupidity.
c. Trust
1) This essential to faith.
2) It is one thing to know that Christ died for the sins of the world, but it is quite another to trust Him as Savior for salvation.
3) One may know a chair exists and believe it can support his weight, but trust is exercised when he sits in it.
II. It’s Manner
1. The scriptures represent faith as a bestowal of God’s grace and also emphasize human responsibility in connection therewith, giving to it both divine and human.
2. The Divine side.
a. Faith is obtained as the result of the enabling power of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
b. Faith is obtained as the result of the gracious work of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
1) Originating source. The Father; Romans 12:3
2) Mediating source. The Son; Hebrews 12:2
3) Energizing source. The Holy Ghost; 1 Corinthians 12:4,8,9
3. The Human side.
a. Faith, though divine in origin, is secured through the use of means.
b. These human elements enter into the production of faith and for them men are responsible.
1) The word of God. Romans 10:17
2) A yielded will. John 5:36-40
3) A right motive. John 5:44
III. It’s Manifestation
1. We must manifest or show faith if it is to be blessed of God.
2. How is this done?
a. By obedience. Hebrews 11:8, 17
1) Faith is shown by obedience.
2) The sick man trust his doctor, but he also takes his prescription and follows his directions.
b. By bringing our needs to Christ. Mark 2:3-5
1) These men did not let obstacles deter them from getting to Jesus with their problem and need.
c. By sacrificing the present for the sake of the future.
1) The present is transient and soon passes away, but the future with Christ is permanent and will last forever.
2) Hebrews 11:24-26
d. By turning to the Lord.
1) Acts 11:19, 21
2) When we put our faith in Christ, we turn from sin to serve Him.
3) 1 Thessalonians 1:9
IV. It’s Ministry
1. What will faith do for us?
2. Every blessing of God is dependent upon faith.
3. Forgiveness. Acts 10:43
4. Justification. Romans 5:1
5. Eternal life. John 20:31
6. Salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9
7. Become children of God. Galatians 2:20
8. Walk by faith. Romans 4:12; 2 Corinthians 5:7
9. Able to live victorious life. 1 John 5:4, 5
10. Resist and overcome the Devil. 1 Peter 5:8-9; Ephesians 6:16
11. Become channel of blessing. John 7:38-39
12. Have prayers answered. Matthew 21:22
13. We please God. Hebrews 11:6
14. All things are made possible. Mark 9:23
