"Saving"  Faith

"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 11:6 NKJV).

What pleases God?  This text teaches us that without faith it is impossible to please God.  What are the elements of the faith for which God is looking?  This verse and its context answers that question, too.

"Saving"  faith - believes.

"Saving"  faith believes “that He (God) is.”  We may look at the intricate design of nature and recognize that there is a Designer. "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork" (Psalm 19:1).  "For since the creation of the world His [God’s] invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20).  “By faith we understand that” (even though we were not present), “the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (Hebrews 11:3).  Nature teaches that God exists.  "Saving"  faith believes in the existence of God.

"Saving"  faith  -  trusts.

"Saving"  faith, according to the text, believes that God “is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”  This aspect of faith includes the element of trust – taking God at His word, relying upon His promises.  As the Scriptures teach: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

"Saving"  faith - seeks.

The Hebrew writer stated that “he who comes to God must believe that … He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” "Saving"  faith diligently seeks Him.  God “has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings” (Acts 17:26).  For what purpose did God do these things?  Observe as the text continues:  “…SO THAT they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:27-28).

"Saving"  faith - obeys.

We may read the whole chapter of Hebrews 11 and understand that saving faith causes one to ACT in response to God’s instructions.  “By faith Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice” (v. 4).  “By faith Noah … prepared an ark” (v. 7).  “By faith Abraham obeyed” (v. 8).   "Saving"  faith will cause a person to act.  

For this reason, those who heard the Gospel (the good news) of Jesus Christ were told not only to believe on Him (Acts 16:31), but also to repent of their sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ (Romans 10:9-10) and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38).  And, by faith, many obeyed and were saved from their sins (see Acts 2:37-41).

"Saving"  faith believes  in God, trusts  God, seeks  God, and obeys  God!

 Do YOU have the faith that saves?

God bless you.

David A. Sargent, Minister 

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

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