The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
April 21, 2002
In
This Issue:
Faith
that is Pleasing to God
By
Gary Patton
Faith That Is Pleasing to God
A universal requirement of all religious organizations or institutions is a belief in some thing or some one. Faith is an obvious necessity in the area of religion. The problem with faith is that so many are confused as to what is involved in true Bible faith. If we want to find out what true Bible faith is and what it involves, we must turn to the Bible, God's word, for the correct answer.
God has not left us to grope in darkness trying to understand faith. He has clearly defined, illustrated and specifically detailed what faith involves. In Hebrews 11:1, He defines faith for us: "Now faith is the substance (ground) of things hoped for, the evidence (assurance) of things not seen." He does not stop with just a definition, but He proceeds to illustrate it numerous times in this chapter, using such great heroes as Abel, Noah, Abraham. Sarah, Moses, Gideon, etc. All illustrate that an obedient faith is the type of faith God requires. In this great chapter on faith He tells us that there are three basic factors in a pleasing faith. These three factors are found in the sixth verse of this same eleventh chapter. It reads, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."
First, we find that we must "believe that He is." This rules out one being an atheist and still being pleasing in God's sight. There are many people who doubt the existence of a supreme being. In fact, it is so widely believed that it is now being taught openly from grammar school through college. When evolution is taught, it of necessity rules out the creation by the power of God, thus diminishing His power and authority in the minds of our children. This can lead to the total rejection of His existence. God says we must believe the creation account if we have Bible faith. "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which were seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3) To accept the evolutionist theory is to reject this verse from God's Word. If we reject this verse from God's Word we cannot have a faith that is pleasing to God.
Second, verse six tells us that we must believe "that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." In other words, we must believe that He is able to keep His promises. Such promises as: providing our food and clothing if we will put His kingdom first (Matt. 6:2534), forgiving our sins (Mark 15:15,16), making our burdens lighter (1 Peter 5:7), and giving us a home in heaven (2 Timothy 4:8). If we doubt His ability and power to fulfill these promises, then we do not have a faith that is pleasing to God.
The third factor listed in this verse that makes one's faith pleasing to God is that we must "come to God." This means we must come to Him the way He tells us to come. The New Testament is very clear in its teaching as to how one comes to God. He must hear (Romans 10:14,17), believe (John 6:28,29), Hebrews 11:6), repent (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30), confess (Romans 10:10; Matthew 10:32,33) and be baptized (Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21). This is coming to God by faith--obedient faith--coming as God commands.
Does your religious faith involve these three basic elements? If not, then your faith is not a faith that is pleasing to God, and thus is not a faith that will lead to the saving of your soul.
-- by Gary Patton