09/14/13 FAITH AS IT RELATES TO CHRISTIANS AND CHRISTIANITY
The word, "FAITH" (as it relates to Christians and Christianity) is used in at least two ways.
#1 FAITH is the body of beliefs (teachings, doctrines) that a Christian accepts as being God's revealed truth, as found in the Bible. We use the phrase, "Statement of Faith," in this way.
#2 FAITH is the trust (confidence) a Christian has in God. In this way we use the phrases, "We are saved by faith," and "We live by faith," and "Without faith it is impossible to please God."
If we want to have strong faith (trust) in God, we must accept the faith (teachings) of God. We can only trust God as much as we trust what God says. Where there is ignorance of the Bible, there is weakness in a relationship with God. Where there is distrust and denial concerning the Bible, there is distrust and denial of God.
Romans 10:17
(17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
