Faith by J. H. Meek

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 26, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 33.

Faith.

By J. H. Meek

THE Scriptural definition of faith is found in Heb. 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” We also find in the same chapter, which is truly a chapter on faith, that without faith it is impossible to please God. By it pardon and purity are obtained. It is therefore a subject of very great importance, and should be properly understood.

Perhaps many do not distinguish between an intellectual and a saving belief or faith. To believe the Bible, as you would what is recorded in history, would not secure to us salvation. A mere assent to the truths in God's word does not make any one a Christian. It requires heart-belief. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Rom. 10:10. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.” Prov. 3:5.

The antecedents to the exercise of saving faith are renunciation of all sin and the world, true repentance and entire submission to God. When the conditions are fully met the exercise of faith becomes easy. When we hear the very common expressions, “It is hard to believe,” “I’m trying to have faith,” we are led to the conclusion at once that there is a defect somewhere else. If any one has really renounced sin and the world, and has fully decided to become a Christian, he is not far from the kingdom. There is no struggle or effort in faith. The struggle and effort of a seeking soul is in giving up sin, is surrendering to God.

It is certainly dishonoring to God to say, “It is hard to believe.” You would not treat a friend so. How would it sound for you to say to your truthful and affectionate wife or husband, “I am trying to believe what you say is true”? God cannot lie. He is faithful. His promises are sure. They cannot fail. Simply rest in them. Some one has said, “Faith is that thing we do when we cease doing everything else.” Then let go and trust. Some pray for faith as though it was a blessing to be poured upon them. Of course God will give grace and the ability to meet all requirements and to believe, but the act of faith is ours.

Let persons become intimately acquainted with the nature and character of God, and they will then find no difficulty in believing. Read the eleventh chapter of Hebrews and the promises on prayer carefully and prayerfully instead of praying for faith, and you will be more likely to obtain your heart’s desire. Try it, brethren. How often we have heard professed Christians pray for faith, and then immediately afterwards deprecate their unbelief. “According to your faith be it unto you.” We are justified by faith. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God.” Rom. 5:1. We are kept by faith. “Who are kept by the power of God through faith.” 1 Peter 1:5.—Rev. J. H. Meek, in Methodist Recorder.