SAVING FAITH

W.E. Vine comments thus on belief (pistis) as it is used in a spiritual climate: "Its chief significance is a conviction respecting God and His word and the believers relationship to him." The best concise "definition" of faith found in the scriptures is Hebrews 11: 1. "Now faith is assurance of things hoped for," the writer declares, "a conviction of things not seen" (ASV). The value of saving faith cannot be over emphasized, as we shall see.

The importance of faith. Jesus said, "for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" (Jn. 8: 24). It is impossible to please God without faith (Heb. 11: 6). Not only must we believe that God exists, but we must believe he is a rewarder of them who diligently seek him (Ibid.). The importance of faith or belief is seen in the fact that the saved were called "believers" (I Tim. 4: 12).

How faith is produced. Many believe and teach that faith is supernaturally produced, independent of man. Not only is this false doctrine, but it convinces man that he has no part in the acquisition of faith. Hence, those so influenced do not acquire faith. "So then faith cometh by hearing," Paul wrote, "and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10: 17). This is one reason the word is called the "seed of the kingdom" (Lk. 8: 11, Matt. 13: 19). Reading of Jesus' teaching and miracles produces faith in a good and honest heart (Jn. 20: 30, 31).

Some accomplishments of saving faith. The achievements of faith help us to appreciate the value of faith. The scriptures teach that the saved are justified, purified, and sanctified by faith (Rom. 3: 28; Acts 15: 9; 26: 18). Paul succinctly stated that men become children of God by faith. Hear him: "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3: 26, 27, see addendum).

The kind of faith that saves. There is often no disagreement relative to the importance of faith in the matter of man's salvation, but when it comes to the nature of this saving faith, there is no small amount of needless disagreement. Some religionists contend saving faith is simply an intellectual ascent as to the existence of God (nothing more involved on man's part). They may add that saving faith involves trust, to a limited degree. However, some believed but they would not confess Christ (Jn. 12: 42). Were they saved? According to Jesus' teaching, those who believed but would not confess him were not saved (Matt. 10: 32, 33). Hence, there is more to saving faith than just believing in the reality of God.

James wrote, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the demons also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" (Jas. 2: 19, 20). James calls the man vain who believes faith only saves. Beloved, a good, sound rule is when faith is mentioned in the climate of salvation, faith is always active, obedient, and comprehensive (see Heb. 11: 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 20, 24, 27, 28, 29). Paul wrote that faith that avails is faith that "works by love" (Gal. 5: 6). Is this to say man earns his salvation? The answer is an emphatic, no! (Tit. 3: 5.). However, Jesus became the "author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Heb. 5: 9).

The case of initial salvation. When we examine faith in the application of primary or initial salvation, we find that without exception men and women in the First Century who became saved possessed an active faith (Acts 2: 36-42). Man's faith and God's grace are the two chief components, if you will, in the matter of man's salvation (Eph. 2: 8-10). A careful study of the examples of people being saved in the Book of Acts collectively reveals that they believed, repented, confessed Christ's deity, and were baptized for the remission of their sins (go to link at the end of this material for more detail).

Faith considered in the case of secondary salvation. After people became Christians, there was no difference in the basic nature of the faith they were to have. The faith remained active and obedient (Phili. 2: 12). The scriptures teach "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (Jas. 2: 26). We show our faith by our works (Jas. 2: 18). Justification is the result of a working, active faith (Jas. 2: 24). Someone asks, "how about salvation by faith only?" Beloved, salvation by faith only is a doctrine and creed of man, not the teaching of the Bible.

In conclusion, saving faith involves belief and trust in God. When we believe God, we will accept his word (Acts 27: 25). The disobedient are only promised destruction and punishment (Rom. 2: 6-9). When we have submitted our will to God's will, it can be said of us, "and rejoiced, believing in God" (Acts 16: 30-34). (Click here to learn more of initial salvation.)

Written by: Don Martin