"Without Faith"

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrew11:6 ESV)

How simplistic yet direct a statement from the writer of Hebrews. The writer captures the simple truth of faith, for faith is the key to unlocking the door to salvation.

Without faith, we are at enmity with God; He will not look upon us and our sins, for He detests sins, and His wrath against them is great. This message is missing from today's pulpits, as pastors lean on charismatics rather than exposition. The simple truth is, we cannot draw near to God in our sinful state. Yet in His divine mercy, He, before time, had a plan of redemption in place: the Son of God, Christ Jesus.

How clear a statement, “for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists.” Many theologians believe that all humans have a natural understanding or acknowledgment of God's existence. However, those in the reformed tradition understand that this is not enough to receive salvation. For one to come to faith in God, Paul wrote, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."  (Romans 10:17)

Christianity has been demeaned by saying it is “exclusive.” Many who struggle with the doctrines of Christianity have heard conflicting statements in different churches. Unconditional election is often objected to because it is seen as lending to the “exclusiveness” of Christianity. Yet while salvation is for the elect of God, it is also unrestricted as to who is called to God. There is nothing about a person that would eliminate them from God’s election. No race, religion, amount or type of sin, or disbelief in God would make them “ineligible” for election.

God chose, we see it in scripture, yet He chose His elect not based on what they do, did, or will do, but because it was His choice. When we are awakened to the Spirit, a calling by God, we will seek Him. And, as the writer tells us, “he rewards those who seek him.” Our reward is our faith, given to us by the grace of God. In our faith, we are then made righteous before God and are able to draw nearer to Him.

Paul confirms our thoughts on this in his writing to the church in Ephesus, saying, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (2:8-9) God calls, we come, and in our obedience, we are rewarded as heirs to the kingdom with Christ. The depth of God’s love in all of this, His providential hand in creation, is overwhelming and should awaken all to the grace and mercy of God.

When you were a child, you may have prayed a mealtime prayer that went “God is good, God is great, let us thank Him, for our food.” I would put it to you that “God is good, God is great, let us thank Him for His grace, mercy, and love in our everyday life, without interruption, and with unending assurances.

Seek Christ, and find eternal life, for it can only come to you by His hand.

Grace and Peace.