In [the Good News] the righteousness of God is revealed, from trust to trust. As it is written, “But the righteous shall live by emunah [FAITH].” Romans 1:17, TLV
What is Faith? The Hebrew word emunah (אֱמוּנָה) can be translated as firmness, steadfastness, fidelity. But what is faith, really? We’ve talked about the difference between belief and faith. I can believe a man could walk a tightrope across Niagara Falls, but do I have trust that he can carry me with him? Faith is climbing onto his back as he makes the dangerous journey.
I read a great article about faith* that defines faith as a three step process.
- Knowledge. Faith begins with a knowledge of what it is that should be believed. For instance, if someone knows that the gospel of Yeshua refers to the death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah according to the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), they have knowledge. However, it is possible for someone to know what the Good News is without believing it to be true. Therefore:
- Assent/Acceptance. Knowledge is not enough. The person must also believe that the object of faith is true. To reach this level of faith, the person must know what the Good News is (knowledge) and believe it to be true (assent). But this is still not enough for salvation. That takes us to the third aspect of faith.
- Trust. Trust refers to a personal commitment to and reliance upon an object of faith. In salvation, the sinner must know that Jesus died for them and rose again from the dead (knowledge) and they must accept that these facts are true (assent). However, salvation is “sealed” when they rely on these facts as the basis for their personal salvation and their daily walk.
Using my example above, I have knowledge that a man strong and talented enough walked a tightrope across Niagara Falls, and even carried someone on their back**. Although, I have never personally seen it, I’ve read about it (knowledge). So, I accept that this knowledge is true and might even tell others about it (assent). But the final commitment is to trust — the climbing onto the back of the tightrope walker and holding tight as they perform their feat (trust).
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Messiah. (Romans 10:17, TLV)
Knowledge begins with GOD’s word — from Genesis to Revelation. Because Paul didn’t have all the Gospels at his disposal. Most likely, the only Gospel available at the time of Paul’s letter to the Romans was Mark, therefore Paul was dependent upon the knowledge he received from what is known as the “Old Testament” and his testimony and other reliable accounts from the apostles. That’s why he begins his epistle to the Romans with:
Paul, a slave of Messiah Yeshua, called to be an emissary and set apart for the Good News of God, which He announced beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures. (vss. 1-2, TLV)
Assent/Acceptance begins with believing that this knowledge is true. Yes, it is possible. There’s enough physical evidence that the Old Testament is accurate, so it stands to reason, it is true.
Trust is our commitment to walk out that knowledge — to the best of our ability — and proclaim our commitment (which we spoke about yesterday).
When we run into trials and temptations, having knowledge through GOD’s word is the first step toward faith. Once we read that knowledge, we receive it — agree with it. Then finally, we trust our Heavenly Father that His word is true and walk that tightrope no matter what is around us.
I was just thinking. All the prophecies about the coming Messiah, did anyone have the inkling of a thought, that the Father would send His own Son? To act as our sacrificial offering? I wonder. That knowledge alone, that He sent His Son, should drive us to acceptance of our Father’s great love and that His word is true. No matter what the circumstances look like around us.
When life’s burdens and challenges feel overwhelming, and we know and accept GOD’s word that He is in control and loves us, we can still struggle. What do we do. Pray? Of course. But there’s even more resources our Father gives us.
That is to say, we would be encouraged together by one another’s faithfulness—both yours and mine. (vs. 12, TLV)
We need each other. To encourage with testimonies of faith. My husband and I have a rule, only one of us can struggle with faith about something, at a time. One of us has to be the encourager. A prayer. With a hug. Then reminders of GOD’s love and what He has done for us in the past. On the occasional events where it affects both of us, we hold tight together and commit to trust the LORD will see us through because His word is true.
What is your definition of faith? Can you share a testimony? Love hearing your stories, insights, and comments.
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*What is Faith http://www.learnthebible.org/what-is-faith.html#:~:text=Faith%20is%20one%20of%20those%20words%20that%20is,belief%20that%20does%20not%20require%20proof%20or%20evidence.%22
**https://niagarafallsreporter.com/Stories/2012/May29/Funambulist.html
