Topical Bible: Faith: Through It Is: Edification

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Faith, a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is both a gift from God and a response to His revelation. It is through faith that believers are edified, or built up, in their spiritual lives. The concept of edification through faith is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the transformative power of trusting in God and His promises.

Definition and Nature of Faith

Faith is described in Hebrews 11:1 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 human reasoning but on the trustworthiness of God. Faith involves a confident reliance on God's character and His Word, leading to a life of obedience and devotion.

Faith as a Means of Edification

1. Spiritual Growth and Maturity: Faith is instrumental in the believer's spiritual growth. As one exercises faith, they are strengthened and matured in their walk with Christ. Ephesians 4:13 speaks of attaining "the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." This maturity is a result of being edified through faith, as believers grow in understanding and likeness to Christ.

2. Building Up the Church: Faith is not only personal but also communal. The edification of the church body is closely tied to the faith of its members. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 , Paul exhorts believers to "encourage and build one another up," highlighting the role of faith in strengthening the community of believers. As each member exercises faith, the entire body is edified and equipped for service.

3. Endurance and Perseverance: Faith provides the foundation for enduring trials and tribulations. James 1:3-4 states, "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Through faith, believers are edified as they learn to trust God in difficult circumstances, resulting in spiritual resilience and completeness.

4. Source of Joy and Peace: Faith brings about an inner transformation that results in joy and peace, essential components of edification. Romans 15:13 declares, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." This joy and peace are fruits of faith, contributing to the believer's edification and witness to the world.

5. Guidance and Wisdom: Faith opens the door to divine wisdom and guidance, essential for edification. James 1:5-6 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom in faith, without doubting. This wisdom, granted through faith, edifies the believer by providing clarity and direction in life's decisions.

Examples of Edification Through Faith in Scripture

· Abraham: Known as the father of faith, Abraham's life exemplifies edification through faith. His trust in God's promises, despite seemingly impossible circumstances, led to the establishment of a covenant people (Genesis 15:6).

· The Early Church: The Acts of the Apostles records numerous instances where the faith of the early Christians led to the edification and expansion of the church. Acts 16:5 notes, "So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers."

· Paul the Apostle: Paul's letters frequently emphasize the role of faith in edification. In Colossians 2:6-7 , he urges believers to "continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Faith, therefore, is not merely a static belief but a dynamic force that edifies both the individual believer and the collective body of Christ. Through faith, Christians are equipped, encouraged, and empowered to live lives that reflect the glory of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 1:4
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jude 1:20
But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

American Congregational Declarations of Faith.
... of the Blessed God, for the instruction and edification of our ... of sin, and to lead
them to repentance and faith; and that those who through renewing grace ...
/.../american congregational declarations of faith.htm

The Note of Edification.
... stated that it may be underlined:"Faith, piety and ... can only enter into her power
through self-realisation ... the Church, the work of her edification will demand ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter iv the note of.htm

Daleth.
... Thine that I already hold, that I may be able to reach unto others through edification. ...
pity me according to Thy law." By what law, save by the law of faith? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/daleth.htm

"Now the End of the Commandment is Charity Out of a Pure Heart ...
... in the point of justification, they do it not unto edification in faith ... to travel
between an impossible command, and Christ Jesus by faith, through whom all ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi now the end.htm

The Declaration of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. ...
... religious ordinances, to promote mutual edification and holiness ... glory and worship
of God, through Jesus Christ ... churches, all the articles of faith necessary to ...
/.../the declaration of the congregational.htm

Faith Illustrated
... in preaching upon this text to labor both for the edification of the ... own righteousness,
which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/faith illustrated.htm

On the Worship of God in General
... a good conscience, as having been sanctified and purified through faith by the ... less
principal is the salvation of the worshiper, and the edification of others ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lxvii on the worship.htm

A Sermon on the Parable of a King that Married his Son, Made by ...
... the same; unto you, that you may hear it fruitfully, to the edification of your ... us
the word of God: for by hearing we must come to faith; through faith we must ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon on the parable.htm

The Spiritual Gifts.
... They all rest on faith, that "gift of gifts ... an act of worship, for the edification
primarily of the speaker himself, and indirectly, through interpretation, for ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 45 the spiritual gifts.htm

Entering the Gospel Field
... and God spoke through me to the edification of the ... the news to Mother, she was going
through a severe ... exercised myself in trusting the Lord, my faith grew; so ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter x entering the gospel.htm