The term faith brings to mind a variety of things for different people. For some faith refers to a particular belief system. To others the word conveys a quality of believing that specifies an intensity and degree of commitment. Belief systems are often referred to as faiths and one may encounter questions concerning which faith one belongs to making reference to a doctrinal persuasion. The doctrines in these cases usually are a blend of Biblical as well as theological and interpretive elements reflecting individual convictions.
The Bible is a system of belief which conveys the faith of God who is the ultimate author of the scriptures. In the Biblical narrative the usage of the term faith, like other things which we have studied to this point, has specific limitations. Faith in one sense refers to the unique doctrine of the scriptures and is referred to in this manner. In another sense, faith refers to the quality of life that makes one acceptable to God. In this chapter we will examine the doctrine of the Bible as the faith and what is meant when the scriptures refer to an individual as faithful.
A study of the doctrine of the scriptures is not separate from the structural and representational ideas presented previously. The doctrine of the scriptures is the combination of these elements uniting the Bible as a comprehensive unit. The doctrine of the Bible, as will be discussed, has a form, relating to the structural or content aspects of the scriptures, contains representative elements that aid understanding and a specific meaning, or doctrine, which draws on all of these elements.
God’s word has a specific interpretation which is defined by the context of a passage, usage of a term, intended audience and the historical setting (structural concerns). This interpretation is linked to all other scriptures through underlying spiritual elements which manifest God’s intent (representational concerns). Finally, the interpretation defines specific requirements for acceptability to God within the time frame of the individuals life and the conditions put in place by God for that period (doctrinal concerns). The following illustration from the life of Christ demonstrates how the structural, representative and doctrinal elements work together in a harmonious fashion.
The generation of Christ’s day for the most part was lacking in faith. Of special note are the religious leaders, particularly the scribes and Pharisees. After answering the challenge that He cast out demons by the power of Beelzebub (Matthew 12.24), Christ challenged their lack of true faith in God by rebuking them (Matthew 12.25-37). The scribes and Pharisees then asked to be shown a sign (Matthew 12.38). This request was not made out of good intentions but was a further challenge to Christ to prove himself and validate his identity. The answer Christ gave them is an example of the wisdom that only the son of God could have used to answer his adversaries.
Christ first of all gives an assessment of the character of the individuals being addressed. He refers to them as an “evil and adulterous generation” (Matthew 12.39). Christ stated they would be given no sign but that of the prophet Jonah (Matthew 12.39). In saying this Christ points out two things. First is that the works performed by Jesus while on earth, and the deeds performed by His Father, were not for the entertainment of those who doubted. Secondly Christ points out the provisions made by God for all those present at that time when he states that a sign had been provided through Jonah. How is this so?
Jonah had long passed from this life. He would not be returning to the earth to act as a sign, and yet, he served as a representation, as Christ alluded to. Since Jonah had long passed, the sign that Christ refers to is not the physical presence of the prophet, but, is the presence of the scriptures recording the events surrounding Jonah’s stay in the belly of the great fish or whale (Matthew 12.40, Jonah 1.17-2.10). Through Christ’s own words, He calls the people to remember the words previously written. Jonah, preserved within the word of God, was brought to the forefront by Christ himself.
By using the figure of Jonah, Christ points to the fact that the way in which God dealt with the erring prophet had a specific purpose. The purpose was to supply the very sign Christ spoke of. Those listening to Christ on that occasion were not present when Jonah lived, but Christ deals with the scriptures as factual. Christ then links future events with the past figure which would serve as the sign they have requested. Christ stated that as Jonah was in the belly of the “whale” three days and nights so the son of man would be in the heart of the earth for three days and nights (Matthew 12.40). Christ’s identity would be confirmed when the resurrection occurred giving validation to the sign of Jonah and His identity as the Messiah.
By His spoken word, Christ makes his stand on the written word of God. After the resurrection, both the word of Christ and the written word would stand as one, being fulfilled by the reality of the resurrection. Christ thus speaks to the people in this instance in such a way as to imply that events are so sure that he refers to those things in the future as though they are already past. The figure of Jonah, representing the past, combined with the prophecy of Christ, representing the future, places Christ at the very center of the event presenting Him as a being able to span both past and future and tell about both in the present. This single statement made by Christ sums up His identity as an eternal part of the godhead through the way in which this is constructed.
It seems as though Christ denies the request for a sign and yet the fact is he reminds these people that one had already been provided. Christ, Himself, becomes a living sign that God had sent the Messiah. Notice the way in which Christ deals with the word of God in this case. He treats it as factual and therefore true. He makes statements that if untrue could have easily been disproved after the crucifixion. Finally, he displays such trust in the word that he presents an argument to a group of individuals who could have had him taken away at that time. In other words, Christ dealt with the word of God as though it was tangible, stable and reliable. He treated it as a solid background for His very existence.
In discussing the word of God, the question of faith arises, and is a good beginning point for a discussion of the doctrine of the Bible. As has been shown to some degree in the story related above, the written word serves at least three main functions that have much to do with understanding the concepts presented in the scriptures. First, the word of God is a tangible reality that can be trusted. One’s spiritual life depends on the way we react to and treat the word of God. As a specific entity the “faith” refers to the content and context of God’s commands. Secondly, the way in which one applies this information leads us to be able to identify who the faithful are as we understand what the scriptures mean when they refer to faith as a characteristic of true believers. Thirdly, those who are acceptable in the sight of God are those who are said to be faithful. We will examine the characteristics of each of these as we seek to determine the foundations of the doctrine of the Bible.
Christ stated that he had come to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matthew 5.17-18) and not even the least fragment of the word of God would pass away until that fulfillment had been accomplished. In this we may conclude that the faith, or truth, of God as revealed consists of all the scriptures. Throughout the Bible, but especially in the New Testament, the term faith is used in the noun form to refer to the body of that which is believed. At the outset of this discussion it was noted that some believe there are many faiths from which one may choose. As we shall see the Bible refers to only one faith.
The word of God is the faith. This can be concluded from a number of statements made in the New Testament linking the term faith and the body of knowledge taught. Paul states, “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the word of faith, which we preach.” (Romans 10.8). Here it is clear that “the word of faith” refers to the Gospel taught by Paul to the Romans. This is the same word of faith that has it’s origin with God through Christ. The writer of Hebrews states, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12.2). Christ was the word of God made flesh (John 1.1-5) and it is His commands that were revealed even after he ascended to the Father in Heaven (John 16.12-13).
The Gospel is identified as the faith as we can see in other passages as well. Paul encourages the Colossians telling them they will be strengthened “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel, which ye have heard, which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.” (Colossians 1.23). Notice what Paul states here. He wishes that they should continue in the faith. To continue in something means that there had to be a beginning point. That beginning point was the hearing of the Gospel as mentioned in the next part of the verse. The fact that Paul states that this same Gospel had been preached to “every creature under heaven” has to do with the sameness of the message in all places. The faith referred to here is the Gospel message which was being preached consistently wherever the apostles and other preachers and teachers labored.
Continuing his address to the Colossians, Paul later implies that the faith represents a specific body of knowledge by further encouragements to continue in it. Paul writes, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2.6-7). Paul previously indicated that the Colossians had received Christ through the teaching of the Gospel. Here he continues to admonish them to walk as Christ by being built up in the faith. Paul goes on to indicate that he is not simply talking about their personal beliefs. He states “as ye have been taught” which implies that the faith refers in this case to the knowledge which had been presented to them and which the Colossians in turn were to adhere to or, as Paul stated, “walk ye in him”.
The faith, as the Gospel message, is also indicated in the appearance of Paul before Felix. Luke records, “And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.” (Acts 24.24). The Gospel, or the faith, which was taught by Paul, is that which is under consideration here. The body of factual knowledge concerning the death, burial and resurrection as well as scriptural arguments from the prophets constituted Paul’s preaching.
Other passages bear out that the Gospel message, or word of God, is the faith. It was the faith to which many were obedient (Acts 6.7). The faith is that which the disciples were encouraged to continue in (Acts 14.22). The faith, or the Gospel message, was contested by some (Acts 13.8). Jude refers to the faith, or Gospel, or word, as the common salvation (Jude 3). It was the integrity of the inspired word being preached and taught that was to be protected from the influence of those who would pervert it as Paul warned Timothy (1 Timothy 6.20-21). There are warnings that some would turn away from the faith and listen to “seducing spirits and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4.1). The integrity of the message was referred to as the unity of the faith in Paul’s address to the Ephesians (Ephesians 4.13). Finally, God protects and sets His word apart as Paul writes that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism...” (Ephesians 4.5).
Christ stated that if one loves Him they will keep His commandments (John 14.15). The faith, as the Gospel message, and therefore the commandments of Christ, can be seen in related passages. John writes, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 14.12). To clarify this, one may conclude that to keep the commandments of Christ will place one at odds with the devil. Peter writes, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (1 Peter 5.8-9).
The love of the faithful for Christ, synonymous with keeping his commandments, indicates that the faith is the body of doctrine held to by Christians. John, recording Christ’s statement to the church at Pergamos, states, “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.” (Revelation 2.13). Christ refers to the faith as His, which agrees with the conclusions made above. The faith has it’s origin with God, is revealed by Christ through the Holy Spirit, and consists of the commands Christ stated must be kept. The keeping of the faith therefore is the love that one shows for God by obedience to His word. Paul stated to Timothy, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4.7).
The teaching of the Gospel implies a body of knowledge that was from God and taught consistently as the word spread. Paul mentioned above that he had kept the faith and argued for others to maintain the integrity of the information that was taught. This latter point implies that there is a quality to faith that has it’s foundation in that which is taught and a willingness to defend it as Jude encourages us to do (Jude 3). The willingness to stand for the faith and defend it as well as preserving the integrity of the message has to do with the relationship one has with that body of knowledge. The scriptures provide us with a definition of faith that bridges the gap between the body of knowledge, identified as the faith, and the characteristic of being faithful, as seen in other passages.
The way in which the faith, as a body of knowledge, becomes the characteristic of faithfulness, has to do with the definition of faith as given in the scriptures. The writer of Hebrews gives the meaning of the term faith which consists of two elements.
Faith is defined as the “substance of things hoped for” and “the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11.1). The way in which faith is described by the writer of Hebrews is a functional definition. In other words, faith is understood by having familiarity with the body of knowledge from which it is derived.
As noted above the definition of faith consists of two parts. The first of these is the substance of things hoped for. A careful examination of the scriptures will shed some light on this aspect of faith.
When one hopes for something there needs to be a logical reason for that hope. In the Bible we read of a number of individuals who hoped for things and for good reason. The origin of that hope lies with God. Abraham, for instance, hoped for something which he was promised. God told Abraham that He would perform three things, one for him, and two through him. The first of these was the birth of a son (Genesis 15.1-4). The second promise Abraham received from God was that his descendants would become a great nation and inherit the land of Canaan (Genesis 12.1-3). The third promise was that all nations would be blessed through Abraham (Genesis 12.3, 18.18).
The things Abraham hoped for were a son, descendants and a dwelling place. Abraham probably did not understand exactly what God meant when he stated that all nations would be blessed through him but he believed God. The substance of that hope was the very word which God spoke to Abraham. Later Abraham saw the land of which God spoke and his wife Sarah had the son that was promised. God thus provided proofs that He would fulfill His promises. The complete fulfillment was not to take place until long after Abraham passed from this life. God, however, told Abraham what would happen to his descendants (Genesis 15.12-21) adding to the trust Abraham placed in God.
Noah and the events surrounding the flood also provides us with information that clarifies the definition of faith given in Hebrews. Noah was warned by God that a great flood, unlike anything that had happened up to that time, was going to destroy the world (Genesis 6.13,17). God promised Noah that He would establish a covenant with him and preserve the patriarch and his family from the deluge (Genesis 6.18). Noah found favor in the sight of God (Genesis 6.8) and so was warned of the disaster. The substance upon which Noah based his hope of preservation was simply the word spoken to him by God. The writer of Hebrews clarifies this when he states, “....Noah being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house...” (Hebrews 11.7).
In both of these examples, those who were directed to act by God, had nothing but the word that was spoken to them. Later, when the things described came about, there was proof that they had indeed been wise to listen to the Lord. Had Noah waited for proof, he and his family would have drowned. Abraham would have died in obscurity had he not left Ur of the Chaldees as directed by the Lord. The fact that these individuals did as they were directed gives weight to the conclusion that the warning or directions by God were proof enough. Simply stated, God’s word was all they needed to believe and act in the manner prescribed.
In Abraham’s day the promises of God were made verbally. As time passed God entrusted His wishes to those who recorded these in what we know as the scriptures. During the period of the Law and prophets there is a mixture of verbal directives, physical signs and visions given to the prophets and messengers chosen by God. Later God’s promises are made to a few who are inspired to record them in what we now know as the Bible. Today God’s promises are purely written. The substance of those things that are hoped for is the word of God itself. Abraham and Noah had no more to go on than that. The substance however provides a reasonable basis for acceptance as we turn to the second part of the definition of faith.
The writer of Hebrews states that part of faith is the evidence of things not seen. Returning to the two examples above, we can see this at work. Abraham had not seen the land God stated He would show him (Genesis 12.1). Abraham and Sarah were past the time of childbearing when God promised them a son (Genesis 18.11). God promised that He would restore Sarah’s capability to have a child (Genesis 18.14). The only proof Abraham had of the existence of these things, the land and his unborn son, was the promise made to him by God. Once again it was the word of God that formed the evidence of those things not seen.
In a similar fashion, Noah had not seen rain. There had been no rainfall upon the earth up to that time since God caused a mist to rise from the ground and water the face of the earth (Genesis 2.5-6). The writer of Hebrews notes that the warning from God caused Noah to fear that which was to come upon the world (Hebrews 11.7) motivating him to build the ark as directed in which he and his family were saved from the devastation. The only evidence which Noah had at his disposal was the warning he received from God. Again, God’s word formed the evidence of the things that were to come to pass.
In the opening of the Biblical narrative, as seen in the examples used, the evidence for God’s power was in His presence, or word that He spoke. As noted earlier, the way in which God conveyed His message changes from beginning to end. In our world the evidence that we have upon which to base our hope is the word of God. The reliability, integrity and credibility of the scriptures has been the purpose of this volume. Within the pages of the Bible one may find promises given and the necessary supports to believe in the things stated. One who accepts the things that are written, and acts upon them, has no more to go on, and no less, than did Abraham or Noah in their time.
Paul supports this argument in his writing when he states, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10.17). This reinforces the idea that the Gospel message is the word of faith (Romans 10.8). God’s word is referred to as truth (Psalm 119.43,142,160, John 8.32, John 14.6, Galatians 2.5, 2 Timothy 2.15). God’s word as truth forms the substance of the things that are hoped for. The evidence of things not seen is found in the assurance of God’s ability to do that which he promises as Paul states of Abraham, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able to perform.” (Romans 4.20-21).
Within the pages of God’s word we find the hope that we might be saved after the end of this life and world. Peter states that God has “....given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue...” (2 Peter 1.3). Paul, writing to Titus, summarizes the hope that one may have as a Christian and combines all of the things that have been discussed above. “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began...” (Titus 1.1-2). Paul, addressing the Colossians, emphasizes the same point. “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel...” (Colossians 1.3-5). Here, the faith the Colossians had, was gained from their knowledge of Christ, referred to as the word of the truth of the gospel. This is in agreement with Paul’s statement regarding faith as being gained from the word of God (Romans 10.17).
The substance of things hoped for is the word of God which contains the promise of better things. The things that have been written are for our learning (Romans 15.4) so that by examining them one may reach the conclusion that the things revealed are true. The writing of God’s word is by divine inspiration (1 Corinthians 2.9-11, 2 Timothy 3.16) and presents a reliable and reasonable argument for the faith of God as faith itself. The assurance, or evidence, of things hoped for is also this same word which not only reveals these things to us, but provides a sound basis for their acceptance.
To some this may sound like circular reasoning. Remember the sign requested by the Pharisees and scribes (Matthew 12.38-40) as they challenged Christ. Jesus called upon God’s word as the container of the sign of Jonah. This was the evidence of something not seen, his resurrection, which he promised, the substance of things hoped for, which happened later. Now that Christ has come into the world, fulfilled His mission and returned to Heaven, He is now part of the word of God which includes all of the things that God has to reveal. In other words, the faith is complete as Peter stated above (2 Peter 1.3).
Choosing any point in the scriptures from which to study one may review things prior to that point and things that transpired afterwards. The ability to do this shows us a number of outcomes of individual lives. It demonstrates the work of God and how He has gone about performing His will. The Bible in one sense goes beyond time itself as one is able to compare and contrast these things with one another and learn what type of actions and lives are acceptable and unacceptable to God.
Peter tells us the reason for the existence of the scriptures. “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found in him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” (2 Peter 3.11-14).
Having seen the content of faith, the word of God, and defined what faith is, it is easier to understand what the scriptures imply by the term faithful. In each of the examples above, the aspect of faith in their lives was founded on the factual information given to them by God. Their faith however would have been ineffective had this been all there was to it. Faith in the Biblical sense implies much more. The type of faith that is demonstrated by those regarded as faithful in the scriptures was such that they acted upon that faith, sometimes to their own harm in the world in which they lived.
Abram, or Abraham, was called upon to leave his family and home behind and journey to a place which he had never seen. His belief that such a place existed would not have set him apart in the record had he not actually packed his belongings and left Ur (Genesis 12). Noah would have drowned along with the rest of the world had he not gathered the lumber and actually built the ark as God directed (Genesis 6). The characteristic of faithfulness that set these and other individuals apart in the narrative is the fact that they heard God’s voice and did according as they were instructed.
The hope one may have in Christ is not seen as yet (Romans 8.24) since we look for a life after this earthly existence. The assurance of the things hoped for (Hebrews 11.1, NASB) or substance (Hebrews 11.1, KJV, NKJV) is contained in the scriptures. The evidence for the things hoped for is also found in the scriptures as well. God has revealed Himself through His word. Those things that were not seen existed then in the word spoken by God and thus became a part of the minds of those who trusted in the Lord. Today the things which we hope for are not seen but exist in the word of God. We also have directives to follow God found in the scriptures in the same manner that Abraham did. God’s word moved him to pack his belongings and leave his family home based solely on God’s promise.
God and Christ speak in the present concerning future events as though they are already past. This is the assurance of God. He determines that something will occur and acts as though that event is a reality at the point that He has spoken it. This same characteristic can be seen in those who are faithful. Hannah, after praying for a child, and being told that her request was granted by God, went on her way without being sad any longer (1 Samuel 1.1-18).
Faith is a body of knowledge that forms the content of that which one believes. That same body of knowledge directs one to act in certain ways by providing instructions concerning the way in which we should conduct ourselves. When one acts in accordance with the conditions specified in God’s word then one acts faithfully to that word. Faith then is the adherence to the commands of God. Noah and Abraham are notable examples of this.
The generation of Christ’s day wanted proof of things before they would accept them. Christ referred them to the word of God as a sign of the things he spoke of. That same word is with us today and contains the proofs of God’s existence, mercy, provisions for salvation and eternal blessings. To live faithfully one must live according to the word spoken and recorded. The list of those who lived faithfully, as given in Hebrews chapter eleven, bears this out. The writer of Hebrews summarizes their lives and adds, “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11.39-40).
Some today will not accept the truth of the Gospel because they have not seen, or been able to put God to the test in the way in which they would like to. Others accept and believe in God but to varying degrees based on their own opinions concerning what the scriptures teach. God recognizes those who will accept his authority, base their hope on His word, live in the present with a view toward the future, remembering a past as revealed by God in which He fulfilled the things that He promised. This is the meaning of being faithful. Looking beyond the world in which we live, hoping for a new dwelling place (John 14.1-4) and living in such a manner that we would be able to move in today if Christ returned. This is the meaning of faith.