Faith As Law: Understanding The Power Of Belief

The phrase faith is a law can be interpreted in several ways depending on the context. In Christianity, faith is often associated with belief in God and Jesus Christ, as well as obedience to religious laws and teachings. In this sense, faith can be seen as a spiritual law that governs one's relationship with God. For example, in Romans 3:27-31, the apostle Paul argues that justification by faith establishes the law, meaning that faith is not separate from or opposed to the law, but rather, it fulfils and completes it.

In contract law, the concept of good faith is crucial. It implies that parties to a contract will deal with each other honestly, fairly, and in good faith, ensuring that each party receives the benefits outlined in the contract. This principle is known as the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and is incorporated into legal systems worldwide, such as in the Uniform Commercial Code in the US.

Therefore, the phrase faith is a law can be understood as asserting that faith, whether in a religious or legal context, operates according to consistent principles or rules that guide behaviour and interactions.

The Law of Faith

• Basing one's faith on God's word and promises.
• Asking God for what one desires.
• Commanding one's desires to happen.
• Believing that one will receive what they ask for or command.
• Confessing what one believes.
• Acting upon one's beliefs and confessions.
• Enduring through any time period that God ordains.

Additionally, the Law of Faith can be understood through a set of 12 laws outlined in Hebrews 11:

• The Law of Existence: Believing in God's existence and His personal involvement in one's life.
• The Law of Just Providence: Believing that God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
• The Law of the Invisible: Being prepared to believe in things beyond one's senses and experiences.
• The Law of Future Preparation: Believing that God is working for and preparing the best for those who love and trust Him.
• The Law of Endurance: Being patient and waiting for God's time and purposes to be fulfilled.
• The Law of Assured Conviction: Having certainty in one's faith, even in the face of challenges.
• The Law of Incomplete Knowledge: Following God even when the future is uncertain, as demonstrated by Abraham.
• The Law of Reliance on Rhema: Believing in God's personal word, as Abraham did, which was counted as righteousness.
• The Law of Heavenly Ambition: Focusing faith on God's purposes and ends rather than earthly ambitions.
• The Law of Possibility: Believing that all things are possible with God.
• The Law of Renunciation: Renouncing all that is not of faith and fully grasping God's purposes.
• The Law of Conquest: Faithfully conquering external challenges, such as persecution, and internal struggles, such as resisting circumstances.

The Law of Good Faith

The concept of good faith is integral to the law, and it is a term that is used in both religious and secular contexts.

Religious Context

In the Bible, the phrase "the law of faith" appears in Romans 3:27, where the apostle Paul asserts that justification comes from faith, rather than works. This idea is further supported in Romans 3:31, where Paul states, "Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law." Here, Paul clarifies that faith does not abolish the Law but instead upholds and establishes it.

The Law of Faith, as explained in Romans 3:27, is based on the Greek word 'pisteuo', meaning 'to believe'. It is a law that operates consistently, akin to natural laws like gravity, when used properly. By using the Law of Faith, one can obtain God's promises, including healing, deliverance from sin, forgiveness, justification, and salvation.

To effectively utilise the Law of Faith, several conditions must be met. These include:

• Basing one's faith on God's word and His promises.
• Asking God for what is desired.
• Commanding, in faith, for certain things to happen.
• Believing that one will receive what they ask for or command.
• Confessing and speaking out what one believes.
• Acting upon one's beliefs and confessions.
• Enduring through any time period that God ordains.

Secular Context

In secular law, the concept of good faith is particularly important in contract law. The implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing presumes that parties to a contract will deal with each other honestly, fairly, and in good faith. This covenant reinforces the express covenants and promises within the contract and helps protect the rights of all parties involved.

A breach of the implied covenant of good faith can result in a lawsuit or cause of action, particularly when one party attempts to use technical excuses or isolated contractual terms to breach the contract or avoid their obligations.

Whether in a religious or secular context, the Law of Good Faith emphasises the importance of honesty, fairness, and faithfulness to one's word. It serves as a guiding principle for upholding the rights of all parties involved and ensuring that agreements are carried out with integrity.

The Law of Just Providence

This law also highlights the importance of diligence in our spiritual journey. It is not enough to simply believe in God's existence (as outlined in the first law, the Law of Existence); we must actively seek Him through prayer, studying His Word, and living according to His commandments. By doing so, we demonstrate our faith and open ourselves up to receiving God's rewards.

This law also serves as a reminder that our faith should lead to action. It is not enough to simply believe in God; we must also act on that belief by seeking Him diligently. This may involve spending time in prayer, studying the Scriptures, and living a life that honours God. By doing so, we demonstrate our faith and position ourselves to receive the rewards that God has promised.

The Law of Endurance

Faith is a law that requires believers to put God first in their lives. This means having faith in God's existence and trusting in His promises. Jesus placed faith within the category of the law, which also includes justice, mercy, and tithing.

Endurance is a critical aspect of the Christian faith, and it is often mentioned in the Bible alongside suffering and perseverance. Endurance is about having the strength to continue on the path of faith, even during challenging times.

The Bible says that suffering and trials produce perseverance, and it is important to consider these trials as pure joy because they test and strengthen our faith. We are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross, and to remember that God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.

> Lord, I am weary and don’t know when this “race” will end in my life. I feel like I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this trial. Help me to stop trying to outrun my pain but rather run with endurance the race you have set before me. I know that because of you I am ultimately a victor over the trials in my life. I know that nothing in this world can separate me from your steadfast love. Please give me a measure of your love today; give me the strength to endure this trial. Thank you for your love for me that never ends! And thank you for the crown of joy that awaits me forever in your Kingdom! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

The Law of Heavenly Ambition

Faith is a law that, when operated properly, works every time without fail. The Law of Heavenly Ambition is the ninth law of faith. It states that faith must be directed towards God's purposes and ends. It cannot function properly if it is focused on the here and now. Faith seeks the city that is to come.

This law emphasizes the importance of keeping faith oriented towards the divine and the ultimate goals of spiritual growth and connection with God. It is about maintaining a spiritual focus and not getting too caught up in earthly concerns. By doing so, one can strive for a deeper connection with the divine and work towards fulfilling their spiritual ambitions.

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