What is faith? I spoke with someone the other day who is trying to get their head around the concept of faith. This is such a worthy endeavour because faith is central to Christianity. But what is faith? I recently came across the following and was helped by it as a response to this question:
Part of what validates the Apostle Paul’s understanding of faith, is that faith’s object must be true… Of course, faith is more than recognising that something is true. In the Bible, faith characteristically involves trust in God and His Word, trust in God’s Son. In the book of Hebrews, faith includes the element of perseverance (see Hebrews 11). But without exception, faith is invalidated if its object is untrustworthy, or where ostensible facts are concerned, if the object of faith is not true. The Bible never encourages us to put our faith in what may or may not be true… In other words, the Apostle Paul does not think faith is virtuous because those who exercise the faith are sincere or devout (1 Corinthians 15:19). Faith without a true object, Paul asserts, is pitiful…
Faith is not only something we exercise, but a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-10). Faith enables us to have confidence in God where we do not see, because it is grounded in the immutable character of God that we have come by grace to perceive as entirely trustworthy. (D.A. Carson, Christ & Culture Revisited, p109-110)
How can we be sure that what we believe is actually true, and not simply a subjective grasp at something that may or may not be true? D.A. Carson again helps us:
It is important to return to the actual language of Scripture. Biblical writers are never embarrassed to talk about truth, including propositional truth; equally, they are not hesitant to speak about knowing people, knowing God – and knowing things and knowing truths. See, for example:
It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:3-4)
He (Jesus) presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3)
Of course, many biblical writers also stress the crucial importance of faith. My point is that they can talk about faith and truth, about believing and knowing. Clearly this knowing is not the knowledge of omniscience. The certainty that Luke wants Theophilus to enjoy is not the certainty that belongs to God alone. But this is the language of Scripture, and it is entirely appropriate to the modes and extent of knowing of which human beings are capable (p.108).
Hudson Taylor, the great missionary to China, lived his entire life with one simple slogan: “Have faith in God!” (Mark 11:22). It is a simple slogan, yet profound. Simple in the brevity and clarity of the statement, profound in our human (God-given) ability to both know the God who made us, and to live a life trusting Him – for what He has done, is doing and promises to do.
May Mark 11:22 be a slogan for our lives too.
Comments are closed.