Previous       Next

Romans, Part 4

What Then is Faith?

All teachers, preachers and writers need to be acutely aware of the very dangerous tools with which they are working. I refer to words. These tools of the trade become dangerous when the users assume that the meaning they have in their heads actually resides in the word. Conversely, when the reader or listener assumes that the meaning he attaches to the word is the same as that which the user intended, much damage can be done. Meaning is never in the word. It is always in the head of the one who uses the word. Every word in the language can be used to indicate many different things. 

For this reason, the teacher/writer must use many illustrations, or descriptive phrases, to try and ensure that the key words being used convey to the student, or reader, what the user intended. Failure in this regard has actually triggered wars, marital break-ups, even murder. Understanding the same words in different ways lies at the root of most religious division. 

The purpose of this short dissertation is not simply to convey a lesson in semantics. We are involved in a study of one of the most important books in the Bible. Without a doubt the key word in this book is "faith". However, when Paul uses this word he has something very specific in mind. Across the world of Christendom there are multiple ideas of what faith means. It is incumbent upon us, if we are serious students, to try to discover the exact thing Paul has in mind when he uses that word. Only when we discover that can we really understand the power of Romans.

To see that this is not just an academic exercise, let's examine Paul's introduction a little more closely. He wants to go to Rome to share with them some spiritual gift, and to be mutually strengthened by sharing their faith. He immediately identifies this faith with the gospel, of which he says he is not ashamed. In it, he says the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. In other words, that righteousness is completely comprehended by faith, first to last. Finally, he proclaims that the righteous shall live by faith. It is the breath and substance of their life.

What then is this thing that is the totality of the gospel, and the entire life of the righteous? Surely it is considerably more than mere belief in the existence of God, for even the Devils have that. 

If you were to trust your life to another person there are certain things you would require. First, you would have to know that person very well. Second, you would have to have confidence in that person, and in his ability. Finally, you would want to be sure that he cared about you, and wanted to save you. I think these ideas are basic. 

Faith in God is more than acknowledging His existence. It is coming to know Him, and His power, and infinite wisdom. Finally, it is having complete confidence in His love for you, His willingness to be involved in your life, and to give you the very best. Once I have this kind of trust and confidence, I must be willing to base my life and actions upon it, no matter what.

There are many things in life that we do not understand. I do not understand the process of answered prayer, for example. Then why do I continue to pray? Because I believe in His infinite wisdom and power. I know that there are many things I can't fathom, but I believe that He knows all things, and that He does all things well, and so I pray, and leave the rest confidently up to Him. That is beginning to say what faith is.

Paul said the gospel is from "faith to faith". He did not say from knowledge to faith, from understanding to faith, from proof to faith. Nor did he say from faith to obedience (for none of us is obedient), nor from faith to certainty. He said from "faith to faith". I forsake my dependence on my own understanding, knowledge, and wisdom. I surrender my life totally to His infinite wisdom and love, and strive to follow the path He would have me walk. And the more I follow that path, the greater confidence I have in Him and His will. From faith, as my guide, to greater faith in Him who directs.

Back to top