Wall Paper

Christianity is more than a list of lifeless doctrines. Christianity is a life of faith. To be sure, doctrines are important – so important, in fact, that one cannot possibly experience the life of faith without accepting the fundamental doctrines of the Bible. Yet, a person may intellectually grasp considerable portions of true doctrine without experiencing the grace of God and saving faith. It is surely God’s will that Christians be doctrinely correct; but equally certain is the fact that “without faith it is impossible to please God”. (Hebrews 11:6).

Faith’s operation in the new birth is in the beginning of an entire life of faith for the Christian. Since ”the just shall live by faith,” it is imperative that one’s faith grow stronger if he hopes to mature in his spiritual life *Hebrews10:38). Christ expressed disappointment in His disciples’ weak faith (Matthew 8:26), and revealed the mighty effects of true trust when the disciples asked, Lord, increase our faith” (Luke 17:5-6). God has provided two basic ways through which the Christian can have his faith strengthened.

First, a strengthened faith results from an increased Bible study. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). Referring to the accounts of Christ’s activities, John wrote, “But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name” (John 20:31). Clearly, God’s Word has been designed to produce faith, when implanted in a life prepared by God’s Spirit. This same effect has been designated as the proper result of Bible preaching (John 1720; 1Corinthians 3:5; romans 10:14-15). Increased Bible study will also produce increased prayer, service and fellowship – all of which play an important role in developing personal faith.

It is an unfortunate characteristic of our age that many who genuinely desire a strengthened faith do not pursue it through the divinely appointed avenue of the Word. Sincere believers may spend their spiritual energy seeking some sign or “charismatic experience” which they hope will bolster their faith. While these signs had a legitimate function in the early church which did not yet possess the completed written Word, even then, Christ warned with stern words those who neglected the revelation they did have to seek after signs (Matthew 12;38-39). Now that the Bible is complete, it is fully competent to produce spiritual growth. The completed Scripture was inspired by God so that “the man of God may be prefect (mature), throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timonthy 3:16-17). The inspired Word produces spiritual maturity, and the Word must be central in the life of the Christian who walks by faith and not by sight.

The individual Christian is in some sense responsible for his growth in faith, for that growth will not occur without a humble devotion to God’s Word. Likewise, God is responsible for the growth of faith, for He not only supplies and applies the Word, He also actively works in the Christian’s life to enrich his faith.

The second avenue to a stronger faith does not exist independently of the first. God actively works to enrich the Christian’s faith by sending him trials which challenge his faith. “The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). Chapter eleven of Hebrews, often called the “Hall of Fame of Faith”, is largely an account of trials and crises that were overcome through faith. The type of faith that triumphs over trials is not a nebulous “faith in faith”, or a vague feeling that “things must improve.” Rather, it is a firm reliance on God’s promises, resulting in a real confidence that God will vindicate His people and His Word.

Lest God be accused of being too harsh in His method, it should be remembered that God is the One who gives the gift of faith in the first place )Ephesians 2:8-9). A man who is “dead in trespasses and sins” cannot by himself originate a living, holy faith (Ephesians 2:1). Since God gives the gift of faith, He should be recognized as the Authority on how best to bring that faith to maturity. Jesus Christ is both “the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

When a Christian’s faith is challenged, he too often fails the test and falls into sin. When this occurs, he cannot charge God with tempting him, for God provides a way of victory with every trial (James 2:13-16; 1Corinthians 10:13). But as a bodily muscle atrophies without exercise, so faith must be exercised to maintain or increase strength. The man who showed what Christ called “great faith” received this commendation while undergoing a severe crisis (Luke 7:1-9).

Praying for increase faith is certainly commendable, but on should not do so without first counting the cost. A strengthened faith requires a humble, obedient devotion to God’s Word and submission to arduous trials. Yet faithful believers take no real risk, for “whoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed” (Romans 10:11).