What is saving faith?
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Searching the Scriptures
David A. Bass, Rockford Church of Christ
The Bible defines faith as, “…the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Verse 6 of the same chapter reads, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
It becomes abundantly clear as one studies the New Testament that faith is necessary to salvation. For example, Jesus said in Mark 16:16, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
In the New Testament the words faith (a noun) and believe (a verb) are used interchangeably. This saving faith comes about or is the result of hearing the gospel. Paul wrote in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
The Bible teaches that we are saved by faith, but NOT by faith only! James 2:24 reads, “You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” Verse 19 of the same chapter reads, “You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
Saving faith found throughout the Bible is always an active, obedient faith! Hebrews chapter 11 gives many examples of what faith really is. For example, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith” (Hebrews 11:7).
Noah was a man of great faith. He believed God’s warning that He would destroy the world by water; therefore, he built the ark. Building the ark was the result of Noah’s faith.
But, let’s notice another example in Hebrews 11:8, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”
Abraham’s faith in God prompted him to do just what God said to do. This great Patriarch did not question God nor argue with God! When God called Abraham, he obeyed even though he did not know where he was going.
We will obey God today IF we have the same kind of faith that Noah and Abraham did! If we truly believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, then we will be like the Jews in Acts chapter 2. Notice the people’s reaction after Peter’s stirring sermon about Jesus: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brothers, what must we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:37-38).
True faith will cause us to gladly confess our faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Notice this man’s response to the preaching of the gospel in Acts 8:35-38, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached to him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water: and the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water; what hinders me to be baptized?’ And Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
In both of these examples of conversion in the book of Acts we find that faith caused people to be baptized in water for the remission of sins. The same was true of Saul in Acts 22:16, “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
This same kind of obedient faith is necessary throughout the Christian life. We read in Revelation 2:10, “…be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life.”
Saving faith in the Bible is much more than just “calling on the name of the Lord.” In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus said, “Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.”
What kind of faith do you have?
Please contact us if you would like to study the Bible. Email at Dabass1962@bellsouth.net.
Visit with us this Sunday at the Rockford Church of Christ at 9 a.m. for Bible study and 10 a.m. for worship. We are located near Dollar General on Highway 231. Search the Scriptures!
