Characteristics of Biblical Faith
An essential ingredient of God’s brand of faith is understanding the resurrection of Jesus as evidence. Jesus announced it clearly before His death, which is why the Jewish authorities requested armed guards at His tomb. The best efforts of two governments (Jewish and Roman) could not find evidence to refute it. Well over 500 people saw Jesus afterwards, so it was neither a conspiracy nor an hallucination. Without irrefutable evidence, God’s brand of faith cannot exist.
An essential ingredient of God’s brand of faith is knowing what a real sacrifice is and that I needed one. Pagan sacrifice is giving something up for the purpose of manipulation. Godly sacrifice is a celebration of forgiveness in the presence of God with family and friends. I needed Jesus to pay off my debt to justice so I could be judged by faith. I do not mourn His execution but celebrate His victory, not alone but with an eternal family of friends.
An essential characteristic of God’s brand of faith is acknowledging the mountain of evidence establishing that the Bible is true. Certainly, faithful people may differ on exactly what to do with what is in it; God has promised help in fixing that. However, many make unsubstantiated claims to problems and contradictions within the text. Having investigated hundreds of such claims (as we must), not one has withstood careful scrutiny. Believing in part and believing without evidence are equally useless.
An essential characteristic of God’s brand of faith is a realistic expectation of heaven. In modern usage, hope has become little more than wishful thinking. Biblical hope is founded on evidence and objectivity, a confidence born of understanding and reorienting to the purpose of creation. Those who trust God and have a genuine concern for people are given the strength of character to succeed. Without that concept, Biblical faith is not possible.
An essential characteristic of God’s brand of faith is an active trust in His promises, which implies knowing what those promises are. Those who say, “This is just the way I am,” don’t know or don’t trust the promises about character development. Those who see themselves as small don’t know or don’t trust the promises about the alarmingly important role of each faithful person. In addition, the faithful are promised understanding, wisdom, peace, liberty, and much, much more.
An essential characteristic of God’s brand of faith is an attitude of obedience that is consistent with trusting God, the truth, and the good news. The faithful do not sit back and wait for the Spirit to transform them; they are described as those who diligently seek. We have liberty to select that which we obey, but we must seek and trust that which is true and good. Liberty is not an excuse for inaction but a motive for action.
An essential characteristic of God’s brand of faith is speaking the good news. “Since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak.” (2 Corinthians 4:13) Certainly, some faithful people choose to travel to foreign lands and both need and deserve our support. But every faithful person is charged with being an ambassador for Christ and speaking to those outside. We cannot just hope outsiders will see the good news in the way we live; God’s brand of faith requires speaking.
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