The Certainty of Faith

Christianity is far from wishful thinking; it is rooted in a firm conviction about things we cannot see but hope for deeply.

Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

Spiritual faith is a profound, God-wrought conviction that the promises and truths of Scripture are indeed true. It is firmly grounded in the teachings and revelations of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself serving as the cornerstone. This foundation provides us with the necessary support to move through life with steady confidence and unwavering conviction.

The Emotional Impact of Faith

Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

Faith is not merely an intellectual exercise; it also impacts our hearts. The word "certainty" in our scriptural text can be understood as a "foundation" or the ground upon which something is built. Christianity is far from wishful thinking; it is strong and substantial, rooted in a firm conviction about things we cannot see but hope for deeply. This emotional connection to faith reinforces its solidity and makes it a vital part of our spiritual journey.

Evidence in Scripture

Spiritual faith asserts that Scripture provides sufficient evidence of its divine origin. The more we immerse ourselves in the Word, the more we recognize its supernatural source, breathed out by the Holy Spirit. This deepening understanding strengthens our conviction that the Bible's promises and truths are reliable and divinely inspired.

Beyond Assent: The Necessity of Surrender

Assent alone does not equal salvation. While acknowledging the facts about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is the first step in faith, it must be followed by a decision to surrender to Jesus' mercy and Lordship. Mere knowledge about these facts is insufficient because individuals can be aware of the truth yet choose to rebel against it or ignore it.

Paul wrote about this in Romans 1:

And although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them (Romans 1:32).

And while the demons believe, no one would say they are saved.

You believe that God is one. Good! Even the demons believe—and they shudder (James 2:19).

These verses illustrate that even the demons believe in God, yet they are not saved by this belief. A person can understand the facts of Jesus' life, death, burial, and resurrection, and even comprehend that these events were to atone for sin. However, this knowledge alone does not constitute true faith.

Conclusion

In conclusion, spiritual faith is a profound, God-given conviction rooted in the truths of Scripture. It impacts our hearts and minds, providing a firm foundation for our beliefs. While intellectual assent to the facts of Jesus' life is a necessary step, it must be accompanied by a heartfelt decision to surrender to His Lordship. True faith involves a deep, unwavering trust in the promises of God, supported by the evidence of Scripture and affirmed by the Holy Spirit.