WITHOUT FAITH

Christianity is an intimate relationship with God through faith in His Son. We're called 'believers' because of our ongoing trust and confidence in the Lord. It is by faith that newness of life begins ... and it is by faith that we endure till the end.

You cannot gain access to the throne room any other way ... But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

That verse reveals two parts of saving faith:

1. 'believe He is' ... Those who desire to draw near to God must have the initial deep-rooted belief that He exists. This is not merely intellectual knowledge, but a wholehearted yielding to His presence and participation in life. 

2. 'that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him' ... This aspect of faith has to do with an ongoing daily pursuit of God, a personal quest that reaps the benefit of His good, loving, generous, gracious, and merciful nature.

Scripture defines faith as the firm foundation upon which hope is built. It is not a blind grasping in the dark, but an absolute conviction that comes from experiencing God’s love ... Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) 

• Without faith, it is impossible to receive the gift of salvation ... For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

• Without faith, it is impossible to live for God ... I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

• Without faith, it is impossible to be a bold witness ... For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)

Without faith, religion becomes routine, worship becomes performance, and obedience becomes self-effort. Faith turns duty into delight, because it rests in the One Who is pleased by trust, not toil. (anonymous quote)

Walk by faith, pilgrim.