Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s Command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. (Hebrews 11:1-3)
This is the definition of Christian faith. In the Western culture today, there is much confusion about the use of the word “faith,” because everyone exhibits faith in something. For example, the atheist says he has faith in “everything from nothing for no reason over deep time.” The Bible goes on to make it even more clear what Christian faith is by stating:
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:16)
So, this verse tells us that there is specificity with regard to Christian faith, and furthermore we learn that:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Today, our secular culture tells us that we should boast and that we are saved by ourselves. This, as with nearly all aspects of secularism, is diametrically opposite to God’s Word!
But you, man of God, flee from all this [love of money] and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. (1 Timothy 6:11-12a)
Are you fighting the good fight of the faith as defined by Paul in his letter to Timothy? I truly hope so.
