Our actions are motivated by our beliefs.
Author: Blessing Stephen
Faith is an important part of many religions. It is the full confidence in someone or something. In the context of religion, it is the belief in God or in the doctrines of religion. Faith plays a significant role in our spiritual growth.
What does the Bible say about faith?
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Saint Paul writes in Hebrews 11:1 (KJV).
The principal substance to begin a relationship with God is faith. This verse means that faith is assurance that the things revealed and promised in the Scripture are true—even though not seen—and gives a believer the conviction that what he/she expects in faith will come to pass. It is an intuitive truth and the stimulant of Christian life. "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” shows that it is an experience of living in a new relationship with God through the transforming power of Jesus in a believer's life.
We act according to what we believe; if we sincerely believe God is who He says He is and that His Word is true, we will act accordingly.
“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says ‘Depart in peace, be warned and filled’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?. Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead” James 2:14-17 (NKJV).
This explains that faith is demonstrated by works or deeds. A believer's faith is followed by his/her works. Works are the capacity of where true faith lies. Works are the fruit of our salvation, not a means by which we earn it. Without suitable action preceding from faith, faith cannot be demonstrated. Trust in Jesus is completed through deeds; trust with no deeds is not logical.
Even in faith healing, actions are needed. The well-known story of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garments, who had to do only a single action—touching the hem of His garment— to be made whole of her situation. She worked according to her faith, and it got her healed. Prayer is an act of one's faith, therefore it is an action due to someone's faith. Prayer can not be completed without faith. Sometimes prayer is enough work, other times, extra work is required. The woman with the issue of blood might have prayed countless times, but she needed only to touch the hem of Jesus' garment to receive her healing.
Many people in the Bible hoped for things not seen and received them. It was faith that caused Abraham to offer this son, Isaac. By faith he also sojourned in the land of promise as a stranger. It was still by faith that Abel offered unto God a greater sacrifice than his brother, Cain. Both Abraham and Abel (and more) acted in accordance with their trust in God and His promises. Good works demonstrate the truthfulness of one's faith, and attributes of God.
Faith without works is dead, and true faith can have a profound impact on someone's life. It is also correct that works without faith is dead. Not everyone who calls the name of the Lord will be saved because of their lack of trust in whom they call. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Sincere faith in Christ Jesus brings renewal; a transformed life. Our lives are proofs of our genuine faith -- we walk by faith not by sight.
Blessing Stephen is a prefrosh from Nigeria. She loves writing, and is interested in educational equity and girls' rights. She plans on studying medicine.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views or positions of Converge Interfaith.
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