Melanie
Faith in God is a personal and individual experience, and for some, it can be challenging to maintain that faith in the face of life's hardships and uncertainties. This is a common struggle even for Biblical scholars and religious academics, who may view the Bible as a non-literal or historically inaccurate text. However, many scholars and believers continue to have faith in God and find ways to reconcile their academic knowledge with their spiritual beliefs.
For some, the answer lies in separating their faith from the Bible itself. They believe that faith is in God, not in the Bible, and that the Bible is a guide to faith and a source of knowledge, rather than an object of worship. This perspective allows them to view the Bible through a critical lens without losing their faith. They may also choose to focus on the broader messages and themes within the Bible rather than getting caught up in minutiae and historical details.
Additionally, many scholars and believers find strength and guidance in their faith communities, whether it be through organised religion or personal connections with like-minded individuals. Sharing wisdom, offering support, and collectively seeking answers to life's challenges can help reinforce one's faith and provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
Ultimately, having faith in God is a deeply personal journey, and each individual must find their own path to maintaining that faith. It may involve studying the historical context of Jesus' life, reflecting on God's promises, surrendering trust to God, or simply making a conscious decision to have faith and trust in God's word. Whatever the approach, it is essential to remember that faith is a gift from God and that He will provide strength and guidance along the way.
What You'll Learn
Understanding the difference between believing in God and knowing God
There is a significant difference between "knowing" God and "believing" in God. Believing in God by evidence is also distinct from believing by rote memory, conformity, or convenience. Knowing God involves understanding His Design of Creation and why He made us the way He did. This knowledge helps us comprehend our life and destiny and fosters intimacy with our Creator. Unless we know His Design of Creation, we cannot trust Him, and without trust, a genuine and intimate relationship with God is impossible. Intimacy can only be built on trust, and trust is built on knowledge, not ignorance.
Believing in God can be considered an objective, intellectual exercise. As Paul indicated, God has provided evidence of His existence in nature and the human conscience (Romans 1:20; 2:14-15). However, this knowledge does not necessarily lead to belief. Belief arises from familiarity with the record that God has provided of His relationship with humanity in the Bible (Romans 10:17). Through this familiarity, we can know God in a deeper way, learning about His holy nature, His commandments, and how humanity has become separated from God by sin.
Believing God involves personally acknowledging the truth of what He has revealed about Himself, humanity, and each of us as individuals. We respond by faith to obtain salvation and eternal life. This is a lifelong journey of continually drawing closer to Him by reflecting our faith in our words and actions, increasing our knowledge through ongoing Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
Knowing God is a growth process, starting with knowledge of His existence and leading to belief and, ultimately, a deeper knowledge of Him. This process should be ongoing, as the more we seek, pray, and read His Word, the more we know God.
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Recognising the human component of Scripture
The human component of Scripture is evident in the way that it was written and compiled. The Bible is a collection of writings from various authors, each with their own unique perspective and style. It is important to recognise that the Bible is not a single, monolithic text, but rather a compilation of texts written over a period of many years.
The human component is also evident in the transmission and interpretation of Scripture. The Bible has been translated, interpreted, and transmitted by humans throughout history, and this process has been influenced by cultural, historical, and linguistic factors. As a result, there are various translations and interpretations of the Bible, and it is important to recognise that these are shaped by the human perspectives and biases of those involved in the transmission process.
Additionally, recognising the human component of Scripture can help us to develop a more nuanced understanding of faith. Faith is not solely dependent on the Bible being infallible or literally true. Instead, it is about recognising the message and values that the Bible conveys, as well as our own personal experiences and relationship with God.
In conclusion, recognising the human component of Scripture is an important aspect of biblical scholarship. It allows us to understand the context, transmission, and interpretation of the text, while also recognising its theological significance and our own personal faith journeys.
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Knowing that faith is the first principle in theology
Faith is the first principle in theology, and it is a complex concept that has been the subject of much philosophical and theological reflection. It is often associated with trust and is considered a source of justification for religious belief, alongside reason.
The nature of faith can be understood through its key components: the cognitive, the affective, the evaluative, and the practical (volitional, actional, and behavioural). Faith may be viewed as a state of being or an act of commitment, and its object can be either propositional (belief in specific truths) or non-propositional (trust in a person or ideal).
The relationship between faith and reason is a significant area of exploration. Some models of faith emphasise the cognitive aspect, viewing faith as a form of knowledge or belief. This includes the Reformed epistemologist model, which proposes that faith is a type of basic knowledge, generated by a special cognitive faculty that perceives divine truth. Other models, such as Aquinas' understanding of faith, incorporate both cognitive and affective/evaluative elements, seeing faith as assent to propositional truths based on divine revelation.
However, the question of entitlement arises, as reflective believers seek to justify their faith beyond mere belief. This leads to the consideration of evidentialism, which asserts that faith should be grounded on available evidence. The doxastic venture model addresses this by suggesting that faith involves a practical commitment to truth-claims beyond the available evidence, requiring a leap of faith.
Ultimately, faith, as the first principle in theology, encompasses a range of interpretations and models, each emphasising different aspects of this complex concept.
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Knowing that faith is the moving cause of all action
Faith is the moving cause of all action. It is a principle of power and the moving cause of all action within us. Faith is acting upon things we hope for when we cannot see the end result. It is a confidence, a belief, an assurance in things that are not seen but that are true.
The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Hebrews, defined faith as the “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. The Prophet Alma, in the Book of Mormon, gave this definition of faith: "Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true."
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus moved by faith. In Mark, Jesus speaks of the power of faith: "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
In the Old Testament, the story of Enoch exemplifies faith. When God called upon him to declare repentance to the people, Enoch expressed his doubts, but God told him to "Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good." Enoch went forth and taught the gospel, led the people, and established the city of Zion.
In the New Testament, the story of Noah exemplifies faith. By faith, Noah built an ark, despite there being no rain. Through faith, Sarah received the strength to conceive a child at 90 years old. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac is another testament to his faith in God.
In the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Nephi had great faith. When faced with the difficult task of returning to Jerusalem to retrieve the brass plates of Laban, Nephi's brothers murmured and complained, but Nephi replied, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."
Faith is a big deal to God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is manifested in both our disposition and actions. It comes out in obedience.
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Knowing that faith is the key to salvation
Faith is the key to salvation. It is the essential key – the key to unlock our hearts to God's grace. We are saved by grace, but it is through faith. God so loves that whosoever believes shall be saved. Faith is the key to unlock our hearts to His love.
Faith is the attitude of the soul that believes God's Word and acts on it. It is not an intellectual exercise or a mental acceptance of a statement. Belief does not require any visible reassurance or concrete guarantees. Trust requires the whole person to accept God's Word, without reservation. Belief necessitates a decision of the will, to live on the truth of God's promises. But trust is the key, and faith is the key to unlocking our hearts to His love and His grace.
If pardon is offered on the condition of repentance, we need faith to accept it. If forgiveness is dependent on confession, we need to trust that God says what He means. We need to thank Him for His blessed gift and rejoice in His loving forgiveness – or we live our lives enchained and entrapped behind the prison door of unbelief. Faith is the key that unlocks the heart to God’s forgiveness.
If peace is offered to the mind that is stayed on Him and focused on Him, we must focus our mind on Him and trust in His immutable Word. We must believe what He promises, accept His gift and refuse to be anxious, or we live a defeated life — a life where we see the condition of our problems, instead of our position, as a blood-bought Son of the Highest. But faith is the key that unlocks our hearts to His precious promises.
If unconditional love is given, why must we doubt? Jesus tells us that, as the Father has loved Him, so He loves us. So faith is the key that unlocks our hearts to His unconditional, agape love.
Faith is the soul resting on the Word of God. It is the heart acting upon the promises of God. It is the secret to a rewarding Christian life – a life that triumphs. Faith is the prerequisite to pardon, peace, purity and power. It is the route that renounces guilt, worry, impurity and weakness. Faith is the key that unlocks our hearts to His love.
How important is faith in accessing all He has promised to us? How essential is trust in receiving all He wants to do in us and through us? How vital is believing what He tells us, for this delights His heart: for without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith is not the goal. Faith is the way to realise the goal. Trust is not the objective, but the means to achieving the objective. Believing is not the aspiration, but the tool that brings to fruition our aspiration. For when He is revealed, we shall not need faith: when He is revealed, we shall know just as we also are known. When He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
Faith is critical in averting our sight away from our current circumstances, and faith is equally critical in recognising our present position “in Christ,” where we are seated together with Him in heavenly places… where life’s earthly conditions have no influence on our heavenly position, in Him. But we must reckon it to be so and we must yield to the Spirit’s leading, and so faith is the key – the key to unlock our hearts to pleasing God.
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Frequently asked questions
Strengthening your faith in God can be a lifelong journey, and it often requires a combination of intellectual understanding, spiritual practice, and personal transformation. Some key steps include studying religious scriptures and seeking guidance from trusted scholars or spiritual leaders. Additionally, praying regularly, meditating, and reflecting on your blessings can help deepen your connection with God. Practicing gratitude, compassion, and forgiveness can also align your life with divine principles, fostering a stronger faith.
Religious scholars often have a deep understanding of sacred texts, theology, and the historical context of religious traditions. They can provide intellectual guidance, helping to answer questions and clarify doubts. Scholars can offer interpretations of scriptures, explain complex concepts, and guide individuals towards a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of their faith. They may also provide spiritual advice, drawing from their knowledge of the tradition, to help individuals apply religious teachings to their daily lives.
True faith is often characterized by a deep understanding and acceptance of religious teachings, combined with a personal relationship with God. It involves using one's intellect to seek knowledge, ask questions, and explore the richness of one's faith tradition. True faith often leads to spiritual practices and a transformation of one's character, aligning one's life with divine principles. On the other hand, blind faith often involves uncritical acceptance without seeking understanding or evidence. It can be based on fear, superstition, or a desire for security, and it may not stand up to scrutiny.
Maintaining faith during trials and tribulations is a common challenge. It's important to remember that difficulties are often a test of our faith and an opportunity to grow spiritually. During such times, it can be helpful to seek support from your religious community, pray for guidance and strength, and reflect on the teachings of your faith. Remembering God's presence and past blessings can provide comfort and hope. Also, try to maintain a sense of gratitude for the positive aspects of your life, and trust that the difficult phase shall pass.
