This category of the blog will explore all things related to Faith and not just the topic of “FAITH” itself. Yet, it made sense to me to start out the category of faith with a discussion of what faith is. I believe that often when we think of the word “faith” its meaning seems ethereal. Leaving many of us with the notion that faith is something mystical, or spooky even. Faith isn’t something that floats among the clouds. It isn’t an ideal that we try to have, or try to keep. In fact, Ephesians 2:8 tells us that “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Neither the grace that saves you, nor the faith that it comes through is of yourself. They are both a gift of God. Like salvation, faith is a gift. However, not everyone has received the gift of faith, not because it hasn’t been given but because it hasn’t been received. (2 Thessalonians 3:2) I’ve heard people tell someone to “have faith” during a difficult time – and wonder if either of them do…..
You either have it or you don’t. Faith isn’t something that if you don’t have you can just dig in and believe really hard for. With that being said I would like to explore for a moment the difference between faith and belief. Once faith has been received of God, it results in a firm conviction that leads to a full and complete acknowledgement of God’s revelational truth and full surrender to Him. This full surrender becomes apparent to others due to the changes in conduct and actions. In other words if you have received the gift of faith it should be apparent to those around you that something has changed even though they may not be able to put their finger on what that is. Belief on the other hand is based solely in an opinion and may or may not cause a person to act any differently. Webster’s dictionary offers an easily understood distinction of belief and faith stating that ” belief may or may not imply certitude in the believer, however faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof.”
Have you received the gift of faith? The first step to receiving the gift of faith is making Jesus the Lord of your life. When we make Jesus the Lord of our life, our reborn spirit is fashioned with a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3) If Jesus is not the Lord of your life I strongly encourage you to make a change today. Make Him the Lord of your life and open yourself up to receiving the gift of faith.
