Topical Bible: Faith: Essential to the Profitable Reception of the Gospel

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Faith is a fundamental concept within Christian theology, serving as the cornerstone for the believer's relationship with God and the reception of the Gospel. The New Testament emphasizes the necessity of faith for salvation and spiritual growth, underscoring its role in the believer's life.

Definition and Nature of Faith

Faith, as described in the Bible, is a confident trust and reliance on God and His promises. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance and certainty are not based on empirical evidence but on the trustworthiness of God and His Word.

Faith and the Gospel

The Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins, requires faith for its profitable reception. Romans 1:16-17 states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek. For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"

Faith as a Gift from God

Faith is not merely a human effort but is described as a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage highlights that faith itself is part of God's grace, enabling individuals to receive the Gospel.

The Role of Faith in Salvation

Faith is essential for salvation, as it is the means by which individuals are justified before God. Romans 5:1 affirms, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Justification, the act of being declared righteous before God, is accessed through faith, making it indispensable for the believer.

Faith and Works

While faith is the means of receiving the Gospel, it naturally results in good works. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Genuine faith produces a transformation in the believer's life, evidenced by actions that reflect the teachings of Christ.

Faith and Spiritual Growth

Faith is not static but dynamic, growing as the believer matures in their relationship with God. 2 Peter 1:5-7 encourages believers to "make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." This progression illustrates how faith is foundational to spiritual development and maturity.

Faith in Trials

Faith is tested and refined through trials, which serve to strengthen the believer's trust in God. James 1:2-3 advises, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Trials are opportunities for faith to be proven genuine and to grow deeper.

Conclusion

Faith is indispensable for the profitable reception of the Gospel, serving as the means by which individuals are justified, sanctified, and ultimately glorified. It is both a gift from God and a response to His revelation, leading to a life transformed by the power of the Gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 4:2
For to us was the gospel preached, as well as to them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Message Heeded
... of ministers acceptable to God and profitable to souls. ... They had not modeled their
faith and teaching to ... hearers, nor kept back truths essential to salvation ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 31 the message heeded.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... at, [968]321; vainglorious, [969]ib.; moderation in, a proof of faith in the ... Gentiles,
fallen state of, [981]32; readily accepted the Gospel, [982]33; first ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament...
... had become firmly established in the faith of the ... Experience shows that the most
profitable way of ... like that of Robinson, may render essential service, though ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxix the historical books.htm

Introductory Remarks. 1 the Term Hermeneutics (Greek...
... a continual conflict between nature and faith"before we ... Its great essential doctrines
and precepts are so ... the apostle affirms to be "profitable for doctrine ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxiii introductory remarks 1.htm

The Riot at Philippi
... Lust and appetite organise profitable trades, in which 'the ... into a short sentence
the essential directory for ... to be continued by repeated acts of faith, and by ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the riot at philippi.htm

The Prodigal Son.
... without a guide, and not miss any essential feature of ... A man can scarcely find a
more profitable companion than ... address an excited multitude on the faith as it ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxiv the prodigal son.htm

Communion with Christ and his People.
... by Christ, is closer, more vital, more essential than any ... So he that takes Jesus
by faith to be his ... often backward and silent, and so miss profitable converse. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/communion with christ and his.htm

Acts XV
... but simply purifying their hearts by faith, he assumes ... The essential difference between
assemblies for these two ... still continued to be a profitable field for ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xv.htm

Christian Devotedness, Etc.
... Is it a profitable employment of our wealth, to ... of this knowledge as equally essential
to others ... and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/christian devotedness etc.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... the Pietists; a people in their faith, discipline, and ... been a house for the welcome
reception of gospel ... that this habitual exercise seemed essential to life ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm