Is faith a belief in a creed? Is it a deeply held traditional, religious or superstitious myth? Is faith all about church doctrine or whatever we believe in our head? Is faith some form of emotional or mental assent? Or could it be some kind of blind trust, faithfulness, or good behavior? What is a confession of faith if we don’t know what faith is?
When we use an electrical switch, we usually express a type of faith. If we flip the switch, we expect a light or electrical device to work. We lend or borrow money based upon a faith that the loan will be repaid. When we enter an airplane, we believe it will safely fly us to our destination. Some attend church believing that doing so will provide them a ticket to heaven. Some Christians put their faith in their faith—they trust their faith (whatever that may mean) will eventually give them what they hope for or expect.
I have found while the Bible uses the word faith hundreds of times, yet it is often misinterpreted. The most common definition in Hebrews 11:1 is so abstract it requires interpretation. Yet, we are required to have faith if we hope to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) I have observed that the faith most people claim to possess is evidence of indoctrination rather than spiritual revelation.
Biblical faith is exceedingly difficult to describe because its core is of the spirit world and is not physical, emotional, or earthly. Paul explains the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14, ESV). We can use all kinds of words or metaphors, as the Bible does, but without God’s Spirit making it real to us, it is like trying to explain an atom or even love to an ant or a dog.
Experiencing a spiritual regeneration changes everything. Jesus called this internal regeneration being born again. Ezekiel 36:25-27 explained that it even changes a person’s deep desires. The change it brings will be as different as the shift that occurs when a couple has their first baby or a person becomes president of a large corporation. Life soon looks unspeakably different with a newborn in one’s arms or first sitting in the president’s chair.
Biblical faith is that indescribable enlightenment, motivator, conviction, sense of expectancy, and energy force that comes within a person when the Holy Spirit drops His faith into their spirit. This very dramatic change happens when we humbly submit our self-willed attitude to God and allow Him to control our future decisions. The prophet Ezekiel describes this inner transformation in chapter 36:27. I [God’s Spirit] will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules (Ezekiel 36:27, ESV). Paul describes it this way, For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him (Philippians 2:13, NLT2). Paul candidly reported this very thing by writing,… I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me (Colossians 1:29 NLT2).
Is that kind of faith in God guiding, comforting, or energizing your daily life? If not, just know living with this type of faith is where abundant life becomes a reality.