Vol.8 No.1

The Promise of Faith
Faith is taking God at His Word — the same powerful word that created the universe.
by Emanuel Baek

Recently, scientists have made a discovery. One might even say they’ve discovered heaven. As you know, our planet revolves with others around the sun making a solar system. This solar system revolves with other systems making our galaxy. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, joins other galaxies in an orbit around a center, comprising the universe. Scientists believe that at the center of these circling bodies lies their source of energy. They call it the great Attracter. The Bible speaks of all things being upheld by the power of God’s Word. The universe, planets, our world, all depend upon this power. You and I can tap into this source of power through something called faith.

What is faith? It is depending on God’s Word. You can depend on His Word, because it is active, and does what it has promised to do. For example, in the Old Testament, at creation, God spoke and the world was made. In the New Testament, God spoke, and the lame walked, the blind received sight, and the dead were raised to life. That same power is still there for us today, for God’s Word never changes. When you read, believe, and depend on His Word, this is faith, and the more you experience the power of His Word, the more your faith will grow.

Why is faith so important? The Bible says that through faith our fathers, “. . .out of weakness were made strong” (Hebrews 11:34). Do you feel weak? Are you losing the battle with sinful habits and temptation? Take God at His word, and depend on His promises. Through the power of your faith in God’s Word, nothing is impossible. The devil knows this and uses such things as television, wrong music, and novels to take away our desire and time to study the Bible. Without reading His word, you cannot have faith, because Paul tells us in Romans 10:17 that faith comes from the Word.

Can faith be seen? Galatians 5:6 says that faith works by love. True faith is shown in love to God and those around you. Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” God asks us to show our love by keeping His law. This is done through love, for love is the fulfilling of the law. You may go to church, and read your Bible, but this is not the evidence of faith. True faith is seen in deeds of love and mercy. As these good works can shine before others, they too may desire to follow Him.

Many years have passed since Christ promised His followers, “I will come again.” The signs which He foretold would take place before His return are happening today. Only one thing holds back the glorious reunion between Christ and His people. Jesus asks, “Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith on the earth?” Will a people be ready to meet him, living in faith?

The answer is—yes. John, in vision, saw those who were ready to meet their Lord. He writes, “Here is the patience of the saints, here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” A land of eternal day, with no more cares, pain, or sorrow—all this is the reward of the faithful. Would you take time today to grow in faith, to spend time in His word, and experience the joy of salvation? As you do, you will be ready for the great day when Jesus comes, pronouncing to those who wait, “Well done good and faithful servant;... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:23).