Without trying to define or redefine faith, I do think it is imperative that Christians appreciate at least one distinction in the whole discussion of faith: the distinction between belief in God and believing God.
It seems that too many of us get caught up in whether someone believes in God. And, if that someone happens to believe in the same God we believe in and generally displays that belief in the same way we do (church attendance, cross or fish paraphernalia, political alignments, etc.), we deem them to have faith.
However, the only place in scripture where I have come across this concept of faith is in the book of James.
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! James 2:19 (NKJV).
Yet, it seems our preoccupation is in persuading non-believers to attain only this level of faith which James mocks. In fact, throughout scripture, this level of faith is assumed. I have yet to come across a character in my Bible who doubts the existence of God. So, why are we content to persuade non-believers to attain this belief?
They key is in distinguishing between a belief in God and believing God. Belief is mocked, believing is praised. “For what does the Scripture say? ‘ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.’ ” Romans 4:3. Abraham not only believed in God, but he believed God, and it was his believing God that was credited to him as righteousness. Why? Well, that’s a good question.
Faith is about believing God and not believing in God because human faithfulness is flawed, God’s is not. The issue is not whether we believe in God because our beliefs can change from day to day. Even devout believers might subscribe to one theological stance one day and another the next. This is particularly true with doctrinal questions pertaining to spiritual gifts, baptisms, law keeping, the list is endless. I doubt that any one theology is exactly right, no more so than any one theologist is right. I don’t mean to criticize believers who cross denominational or theological lines, I have myself. I only mean, however, to show the frailty of human belief.
True faith, on the other hand, is not belief in God, but rather believing that God is faithful. This distinction very appropriately resembles one of the theological questions mentioned above. Not only was humanity unfaithful in keeping the law, humanity is incapable of it. Fortunately for us, God IS faithful. And we are made righteous not through our faithfulness, or lack thereof, but through our believing in His.
So, you believe in God, you do well. You believe God, you become the righteousness of God.
What does believing God mean? I will try my best to answer that in my next post.
#1 by Adam on July 30, 2008 - 2:31 am
Nice article. I like the emphasis you put on God’s faithfulness rather than our own.
#2 by given55 on July 30, 2008 - 9:41 am
Very nice post. I look forward to your next.
#3 by petermlopez on July 30, 2008 - 9:48 am
Thanks, Adam. I think we all get caught up in proving or measuring our faith, but it’s God’s faithfulness that is key.
#4 by petermlopez on July 30, 2008 - 9:49 am
Thank you, given55, I’m glad you enjoyed it. By all means, keep reading.
#5 by hiscrivener on August 1, 2008 - 11:55 am
Second time I have read this, and I enjoyed it even more.
In summary, “belief” is a one-off. It’s chill bumps, being caught up in the moment, that “peaceful, easy feeling” (with apologies to the Eagles). “Believing” is a verb, not a noun. It’s action that requires directions – “Believe, shake well and repeat.” That’s life with Jesus. It’s a daily adventure hand-in-hand with Christ. Oh sure, you will feel alone many days along the road, but that’s why it’s called faith, people.
Nicely done, brother.
Peace.
#6 by petermlopez on August 1, 2008 - 11:58 am
Thanks, hiscrivener. I appreciate your kind words. You’re right, it’s what you do when you believe that is faith. “Belief” comes and goes, but “believing” is the good stuff.
#7 by bshelley on August 2, 2008 - 6:34 pm
When I look at Hebrews 11, rather than calling it merely the Hall of Fame of Faith, I like to say it is the Hall of Fame of Faith and Obedience. James said it well when he challenged any to show him true faith san obedience. Great post. Bryan
#8 by petermlopez on August 4, 2008 - 10:47 am
Thanks, Bryan. That is so true, obedience is the true test of faith. If God says, “Go” then you go. If God says, “Move to Alaska” then I guess you go shopping for winter clothing. Thank you for stopping by.
#9 by kimita on August 4, 2008 - 1:08 pm
This is great…it reminds me of the Beth Moore Bible study I did on Believing God. That study really opened my eyes to the difference you discuss here. I love the story of Abraham and his faith!
It also makes me said to read that even the demons believe in God and tremble…yet many Christians (professing Christ as Lord) don’t. I understand that the fear we have toward God is one of reverence yet at the same time it was Christ who said:
Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt. 10:28
Shouldn’t we also fear the God who can cast us into hell, an eternal separation from Himself? What a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God!
#10 by petermlopez on August 4, 2008 - 1:28 pm
Excellent points, kimita. Thank you very much for reading. I appreciate it. Abraham is probably my favorite Old Testament character. His example is one we should all try to live by.
#11 by whogodis on August 5, 2008 - 11:36 pm
This is a great post. There really is a huge difference between the two. You wrote a comment on my blog http://who-god-is.com and said that you were linking to it from your blog. I just wanted to let you know that I am doing the same.
Keep writing the truth and showing people how really great God is.
#12 by petermlopez on August 6, 2008 - 9:18 am
Thank you very much. I appreciate your kind remarks and the link. I will, and I hope you continue to do the same.
#13 by anonymous on August 6, 2008 - 5:56 pm
What a wonderful blog. Thank you so very much for your incisive post. I’m glad I found you!
#14 by petermlopez on August 7, 2008 - 9:03 am
Thank you very much. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Please visit often.
#15 by moserw on November 11, 2008 - 7:01 pm
Great. Well written and makes perfect sense.
#16 by petermlopez on November 12, 2008 - 11:12 am
Thanks, moserw. I appreciate that. You are very kind.