Devotion for August 23, 2008

Faith

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a [good] testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:1-6 NKJV)

Faith is one of the most complicated simple things there is. The concept of faith is so simple that even a small child can understand it. However, it is complicated when one tries to evaluate the works of faith.

From the perspective of the person with faith it has an evidential quality. It is substance and evidence of things not seen. From the perspective of an onlooker it has an active quality. Able offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.

However, the real core of faith is belief. By belief one is to understand not mental assent, but heart consent. It is belief to point of obedience. The promises of God are so real that one trusts in them for safety. The warnings of God are so ominous that one trembles. The reality of heaven is so sure that one forsakes this world and all that it offers in deference to the presence of Christ in heaven.

Is your faith of such a nature that it gives you evidence and substance in the things hoped for? Is sin your constant combatant, or is it your constant companion? Do you really believe that God exists and that He will reward you if you diligently seek Him? Are you able to stand against the wiles of the devil? My dear friend only you can answer these questions, and answer them you should because your eternity lies in the balance. You see for without faith it is impossible to please God. You must trust Him to live.

However, He is not appeased by works of righteousness, but by faith in Christ’s righteousness. Therefore, when you evaluate your answers, evaluate your motive also. One person does not sin thinking he will bribe God with his righteousness. Another person does not sin thinking, “sin is wrong; it is not pleasing to my Father.” The latter person is received; the former teeters at the edge of hell. A good question to ask is, “Would I sin if there were no consequences for doing so?” In other words, do you have a hunger and thirst for righteousness, or do you simply want a pardon?

Oh! Pray that all would be like Enoch and have the testimony of being pleasing to God. “. . . Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares [us], and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [our] faith. . .” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV).