Biblical faith is not some 'feeling' you manufacture to satisfy your soul's longing for peace with God. It is a divinely imparted assurance that rises far above the natural function of the human mind.
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
This verse has been interpreted as pertaining to a believer's future heavenly home. That is certainly true, but somewhat short-sighted ... 'things' also represent what Christians possess now. God opens the door to that which can only be known by those who have surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
The world cannot comprehend what believers understand and receive from the Lord's hand, therefore it considers the Gospel message a nonsensical work of fiction. For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Jack Arnold - God’s wisdom is not understood by natural processes. It does not come through the eyegate. A person may read the Bible from cover to cover; he may devour books on theology, but unless there is a work of grace by God, he will never comprehend the gospel. Nor does God’s wisdom come through the ear gate. A person may listen to the gospel message every Sunday and never grasp the message. Nor does it come by an emotional experience or a mere intellectual assent to facts about Christ. No, these things are entered into by an enlightening of the Holy Spirit and through faith on the part of the one grappling with the truth.
There are three steps ...
2. Surrender of one's life to those truths - Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God. (Romans 12:1)
3. Obedience that shows evidence of one's faith - For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:26)
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