Transitioning into Basic #2: Faith Toward God

   Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.

   As we shift into faith toward God, there’s one more area to cover in relation to repentance from dead works, which will make for a great transition. In part one, we discovered dead works are anything not of faith, or outside of Jesus. Some could be considered religious acts rooted in self-righteousness and hypocrisy. Much of it leans toward unbelief.

   Okay, here is one part to really consider as we begin to focus more on faith, because it can have an adverse effect on your walk. Be wary of trying to add things to the righteousness that is of faith. The religious dos and don’ts take away from the relational value of faith. In fact, it can move you into doubt and self-righteousness.

    Moreover, don’t allow others to place you into bondage by projecting their idea of righteousness on you. This refers to those things not backed up by Scripture, and rooted in the traditions of men. Something Jesus talked about in the Gospels. To be clear, we need to give each other latitude in terms of exhortation and correction. Just be aware of bondage.

   It is important to remember; Jesus alone is our righteousness. There is nothing on our part that can be done that can make us righteous, much less, increase it. It’s faith in Him alone.

   Colossians 2:6-8 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

   Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments (elementary principles) of the world, and not after Christ.

   Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat (food), or in drink, or in respect of an holyday (festival), or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Defining Basics #2: Faith Toward God

   By definition, faith is assurance, firm persuasion, or conviction by inward certainty, which is PISTIS (Strong’s 4102) in the Greek (New Testament language). Scripture defines it this way: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

   As we examine this passage in the Greek text, we find that faith is the substance or foundation, the essential nature or essence of the things hoped for, the evidence or proof of things not perceived by the natural senses. Or simply put, God’s unseen reality.

   Faith pleases God, not our works. Unless of course, they are works of faith, which we’ll touch on later.

   Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

   Faith toward God means our faith rests on Him alone. Without God, we would have no faith. He provided us with faith; we could not manufacture it.  

   Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith -NASB).

Righteousness is of Faith

   It is important to understand that our works could never make us righteous before God. Without righteousness and holiness, none of us would have access to Him. This is one thing that makes the Gospel so powerful: God provided us way when there was no way. This is why faith toward God is such an important component to the Doctrine of Christ.

   Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

   In a world filled with works and earned love, this idea of not earning salvation, much less God’s love, is foreign to many. This really calls for trust on our part. This proves difficult for those who want to be in control, because it means they have to relinquish all control over their destiny. He is God and we are not, which means we have to come to Him on His terms. Faith is a part of them.

   Some have the idea their works can balance out the scale of justice. In their mind, they place their “good works” on one side of the scale, and their sins on the other. If their good outweighs the bad, they’re good to go, but what does God say?

   Romans 3:10-12 as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one.”

   Do you see a problem with the idea of having good to put on the scale? No one does good! Sin is the separator, which means sin had to be removed from the equation, and our works would never get the job done. Our righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ alone. But if you want to work for it, knock yourself out.

   Romans 3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

    Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

   One thing is for certain: repentance from dead works is connected to faith toward God. You cannot have one without the other. Where do works come into the picture? They are the result of faith. Lord willing, we will address this in more detail in the installment of The Basics.

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