Special articles written by Primitive Baptist Elders

Words And Phrases

“FAITH”

(By: Elder David Johnson)

pistis – persuasion, credence, moral conviction, reliance upon.

When possible, we should compare scripture with scripture when trying to define biblical words. Fortunately, we have a definition of “faith” in Hebrews 11:1 followed by numerous illustrations of men and women who displayed this “substance of things hoped for” and “evidence of things not seen” in a practical way. Many times we refer to this as our “personal faith” and understand that without it, (Heb 11:6) we cannot please God. Personal faith however must have a source and we find that source in Ephesians 2:8. Notice that this verse lists 3 things in the opening phrase: grace, salvation, and faith. The grammatical composition of the verse requires us to conclude that the next phrase refers back to the entire first phrase. In other words, the grace, salvation and faith are all a gift of God. This is the personal faith which we are commanded to live by in Galatians 3:11 & Romans 1:17 – “The just shall live by faith.”

Jesus spake a parable in Luke 18:1-8 in which he does not use the word “faith” until the very end of the parable when He asks the question “when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Certainly we are some 2000 years closer to that time mentioned in the parable. If the Son of man were to come back today, would He find us utilizing the gift of faith as He intended it to be used?

Another aspect concerning faith can be found in Paul’s letters to Timothy. In chapter 1 and verse 5 of each letter he refers to unfeigned faith. This should serve as a warning to believers that our faith can be less than genuine. The hymn “Living by Faith” describes an unfeigned faith. A daily unfeigned faith is a noble goal that we fall short of so many times in our daily routine and practice. Do we really look to our sovereign God to supply our needs and solve our problems? That is what the men and women in Hebrews did. That is living by faith and we are admonished in II Corinthians 13:5 to examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith. Note: we are not told to examine others!

One of the most overlooked aspects of faith is found in Romans 3:3 & 22. I refer to the “faith of God” and the “faith of Jesus Christ.” These 2 verses are complimented by Colossians 2:12 where we read of “the faith of the operation of God.” Paul brings this concept to another church in Galatians 2: 16 & 20 & Galatians 3:22. Understanding this concept is extremely important; however, this small article will only serve as an outline for future study.

We are told in Isaiah 55: 8 & 9 that God’s thoughts and ways are much higher than ours. Using the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1, we immediately see that this definition does not fit “the faith of God” or “the faith of Jesus Christ.” Our God does not hope for anything and there is nothing he has not seen. His faith is a perfect faith and he has given his children a small portion of that faith. Hebrews 11:1 applies to our faith, but not God’s. The faith of the operation of God refers to the perfect faith found in the triune God and can be traced to the page in your Bible that starts “In the beginning.” It was eternity past (before the beginning) when the eternal triune God decreed and covenanted to save a select group of people whose names would be recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. It is that perfect faith that secures our eternal salvation. Romans 3:3 tells us that the faith of God is effectual and man’s unbelief cannot change that fact. In verses 22-28 we see that we are justified by the faith of Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:16-21 also declares that we are not only justified by His faith, but we live by the faith of the Son of God.

That mutual faith held by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (that each would obey the eternal covenant) is the foundation of our eternal salvation. Be thankful for your personal faith and recognize it’s source, but be eternally grateful for the faith of God and the faith of Jesus Christ.

One of the most overlooked aspects of faith is found in Romans 3:3 & 22. I refer to the “faith of God” and the “faith of Jesus Christ.” These 2 verses are complimented by Colossians 2:12 where we read of “the faith of the operation of God.” Paul brings this concept to another church in Galatians 2: 16 & 20 & Galatians 3:22. Understanding this concept is extremely important; however, this small article will only serve as an outline for future study.

We are told in Isaiah 55: 8 & 9 that God’s thoughts and ways are much higher than ours. Using the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1, we immediately see that this definition does not fit “the faith of God” or “the faith of Jesus Christ.” Our God does not hope for anything and there is nothing he has not seen. His faith is a perfect faith and he has given his children a small portion of that faith. Hebrews 11:1 applies to our faith, but not God’s. The faith of the operation of God refers to the perfect faith found in the triune God and can be traced to the page in your Bible that starts “In the beginning.” It was eternity past (before the beginning) when the eternal triune God decreed and covenanted to save a select group of people whose names would be recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. It is that perfect faith that secures our eternal salvation. Romans 3:3 tells us that the faith of God is effectual and man’s unbelief cannot change that fact. In verses 22-28 we see that we are justified by the faith of Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:16-21 also declares that we are not only justified by His faith, but we live by the faith of the Son of God.

That mutual faith held by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (that each would obey the eternal covenant) is the foundation of our eternal salvation. Be thankful for your personal faith and recognize it’s source, but be eternally grateful for the faith of God and the faith of Jesus Christ.

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Last modified: 03/17/08