Dear Neighbor,
Question 86: What is faith in Jesus Christ?
Answer: Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.
The apostle Paul wrote of both Jew and Greek, Romans 10:13 “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” Then he asked in Romans 10:14, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” Then he said in Romans 10:16, “However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?” Nonetheless, he said in Romans 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
In the book, All of Grace, Charles Spurgeon said, “Faith is the simplest of all things, and perhaps because of its simplicity it is the more difficult to explain.” Then he explained faith in this way: “It is made up of three things--knowledge, belief, and trust.” Knowledge comes first, then the mind goes on to believe that these things are true, finally one puts his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. “Faith is not a blind thing; for faith begins with knowledge. It is not a speculative thing; for faith believes facts of which it is sure. It is not an unpractical, dreamy thing; for faith trusts, and stakes its destiny upon the truth of revelation.” He goes on to say, “Faith is believing that Christ is what He is said to be, and that He will do what He has promised to do, and then to expect this of Him.”
The apostle Paul wrote that faith expresses itself outwardly in confession and inwardly in the heart. (cf. Rom. 10:9) It is in the heart that a person holds what is precious to him and Jesus said, Matthew 12:34 “For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.”
Lastly, the writer of Hebrews 11:1, said, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Many have knowledge of the gospel but do not believe. Many believe but do not really trust. Faith is having knowledge, believing and trusting. This I believe is the best definition of faith.
Michael Peek
Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake
