“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Romans 4:20-21
Saving faith is made up of three essential ingredients: knowledge, assent, and trust. So a robust, biblical faith requires knowledge of the truth, agreement with the truth, and trust in the truth. Of course, the truth we have in mind is not some impersonal, abstract fact. Rather it is the living God portrayed to us in the face of Jesus. Not only is the truth in Jesus (Ephesians 4:21), He is truth (John 14:6). In sum, saving faith is knowing about, agreeing with, and trusting in Christ.
What does this look like? It’s not enough to merely know that Jesus is the way (John 14:6). We also have to agree that it will get us where we need to go. Still, holding a map in our hand and tracing our finger across its surface hardly makes us explorers. We must actually get up out of our chairs and go! We must have enough trust to start walking. The path that leads to life is narrow, sometimes dangerous, and often hard. But all saints must traverse its peaks and climb in and out of its valleys as they make their way toward glory.
What does this look like? It’s not enough to merely know that Jesus is the way (John 14:6). We also have to agree that it will get us where we need to go. Still, holding a map in our hand and tracing our finger across its surface hardly makes us explorers. We must actually get up out of our chairs and go! We must have enough trust to start walking. The path that leads to life is narrow, sometimes dangerous, and often hard. But all saints must traverse its peaks and climb in and out of its valleys as they make their way toward glory.
Scripture Focus
Romans 4:18-25
Insight
“True faith is not only a certain knowledge… but also a hearty trust, which the Holy Spirit works in me by the gospel.” (Heidelberg Catechism Q. 21)
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 10-11
- Psalm 66
- John 7
