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T. GODFREY

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 7, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 45.

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T. GODFREY

By T. Godfrey

Faith

T. GODFREY

What Is Faith?

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22. “But without faith it is impossible to please him.” Heb. 11:6.
The questions that will naturally arise in our minds after reading the above texts of Scripture are, What is faith? Where do we find it? How is it imparted to us? These questions must be answered by the Word of God, as it is the only authority upon questions of this character. Faith is a Bible question, and must be decided by the Bible, letting the Bible be its own interpreter.
The apostle Paul tells us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1. The word of God is the basis of sound faith. It is the foundation or underlying principle of living faith, without whichit is impossible to please God. “For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Heb. 11:6. “Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he was called the Friend of God.” James 2:23. By this we see that Abraham possessed righteousness by faith, and was called the father of the faithful. Therefore we are all the children of Abraham by faith, and are blessed with faithful Abraham. Gal. 3:7, 9. The evidence of our faith is in the acceptance of and obedience to the voice of God as manifested in the Scriptures.

Where Do We Get Faith?

Faith is not an inherent principle in man; it is a gift of God. Says the Divine Record, “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Eph. 2:8. Through the Holy Spirit the Lord plants this eternal gift in our hearts through the hearing of the words of God. Everything we have in this world is a gift from God. God is the author of our faith, through Jesus Christ, his eternal Son. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom. 10:17. The word of God is the gospel of Christ, which is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Rom. 1:16. Thus a knowledge of the word of God is essential to sound faith, and sound faith is essential unto salvation.
Western, Wash.