Over the past eight months, we have been gathering in this space to behold faith. We have learned much at the feet of many. The author of the Hebrews epistle defined faith for us as “the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen,”1 and James reminded us that “faith without deeds is dead.”2 Jesus explained that even the smallest amount of faith is enough,3 and yet it grows.4 Peter appraised our faith as “of greater worth than gold,”4 and Paul gives us a glimpse as to why: the righteousness we receive from God arises from our faith in Christ.5 It is only by entrusting ourselves entirely to Jesus that we are declared righteous before God—made guiltless and eternally welcome in His presence. But why faith? What is it about faith that pleases God so much? Perhaps we can scratch the surface . . .
Faith in Christ realigns a wayward people with what is objectively true. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”6
Faith in Christ draws us relationally to the Father who sent Him. “Since we have a great priest [Jesus] over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.”7
Faith in Christ acknowledges our sinful condition without Him—“not having a righteousness of [our] own that comes from the law.”8
Faith in Christ admits we cannot seize righteousness by our own merits as if to obligate God; we can only receive them as gifts of His grace. “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.”9
Faith in Christ proclaims the divine character of God. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”10
Faith in Christ recognizes that He is uniquely able to save us. “Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”11
Faith in Christ unites with Him. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”12
Faith in Christ is the giving of ourselves to Him in whom life itself exists. “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”13
Faith in Christ is faith in the Son whom the Father loves. “The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.”14
Father, thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You also for the gift of faith. By the power of Your Spirit, I believe. Amen.
1 Hebrews 11:1 NASB
2 James 2:26
3 Matthew 17:20
4 Matthew 13:31-32
5 Philippians 3:9
6 John 8:31-32
7 Hebrews 10:21-22
8 Philippians 3:9
9 Romans 3:25
10 1 John 4:19
11 Hebrews 7:25
12 Galatians 2:20
13 1 John 5:11-12
14 John 3:35-36
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Paul Nordman—Author 