Living by Faith by Albert Weeks

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 27, 1910

Living by Faith

By Albert Weeks

ALBERT WEEKS

Several times in the Word of God it is stated that “the just shall live by faith.” It is important that we understand the means by which we live, and that we use that means. In our physical existence, food, drink, and air are means used to keep us alive; but these will not prolong life if God wills otherwise. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,” says the Saviour. God can keep us alive without food by his Word. It is certain, then, that our spiritual existence depends upon the will of God; and that will is exercised in our behalf according to our faith.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for.” It gives substance to the promises of God, and appropriates them to each one’s experience, so that what God has said will be fulfilled in us. Obedience, then, is a manifestation of faith. “I will show thee my faith by my works,” says James. A lack of faith results in a lack of obedience.

Many mourn a lack of faith. It is lawful to pray, “Lord, increase our faith.” Also, “Help thou mine unbelief.” But we can cultivate faith by obedience. In the case of Abraham, his faith was made perfect by doing what God told him to do. “Faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect.” James 2:22.

Feeling is not faith; neither is it an evidence of faith. Doing what God says, fully, under difficulties, is a manifestation of faith. Suffering may result, instead of a happy flight of feeling. Assurance and confidence are elements of faith, but they may exist in a heart that lacks faith. Blended with the obedience that gives a conscience void of offense toward God and man, they are a part of faith, and are pleasing to God. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward,” says the apostle to the Hebrews. God will reward the confidence of his children.

As the end draws near, faith will be lacking on the earth. The Saviour asks, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Unbelief will indicate that the coming of Christ is near. Then, in an especial sense, will it be true that the just shall live by faith. Speaking of the time just before the coming of the Lord, we read, “Now the just shall live by faith.” Heb. 10:38.

Infidelity is popular. To stem the tide will require the exercise of a continual, living faith. “But if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him,” continues the apostle. To draw back is a manifestation of unbelief. Faith presses ahead in the discharge of duty. To draw back means perdition: to believe, the salvation of the soul. Heb. 10:38, 39. Then “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Heb. 10:22.

Smith’s Creek, Mich.