Faith – Why is faith the currency or “money” for us in spiritual terms?

For most of us faith is either a concept, principle, or verb (hopefully!). But I was curious after reading Hebrews 11, “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken, he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 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 11:5-6)

Why is there this parenthesis here, after Enoch? From our earthly perspective, faith opens the door to rewards when we believe that God is who He says He is and that He will reward – give something in return - when we seek His face. James affirms this, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-6). So again, faith obtains, fulfils, or “purchases” the thing we need.

And this is again reiterated by Paul, “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). Grace is not earned by effort or works, but it requires faith - grace for salvation must be appropriated or “bought” by faith. Which is why Jesus said in Revelation, “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”  (Revelations 3:18)

What are we required to “pursue in heaven’s market and purchase” (i.e. [Gr.] agorazō)? Divine character, righteousness and spiritual insight and revelation! Which we already have at our disposal in Christ, so He is advocating faith and heaven’s purchasing power.

But there is a problem!  Paul wrote very succinctly, “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2). This is such a contrast, and yet … they are connected! Paul also wrote, “And now what avails, faith which works through love.” (Galatians 5:6).  The grace we receive is because of God’s love and we appropriate that loving grace by faith.

Ever wondered why, if faith is the exact opposite of fear, it is that perfect love casts out fear, and not faith per se? Love creates an environment conducive to faith, security, and the acceptance of perfect love. Divine love can give us the trust (faith) to overcome any fear. Now this idea becomes more interesting.

We see that faith must be love-based, but faith also has an allegiance to obedience, which is why we must strive to enter into God’s grace, to obediently believe that grace has done it all! Which is exactly why Jesus said, . The fruit of love is faithful obedience!  “If ye love me, keep my directions, precepts, commandments.” (John 14:15)

But there is more!  “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17). Our intimate relationship with God, and in particular, Holy Spirit, cultivates faith as a gift and as a fruit. And it starts with vision – you must see what you hope for, you cannot hope what you don’t envisage, for hope is the positive expectation (of a promise) to come, to be realized. Then our faith takes a hold of it and converts the unseen hope into the seen reality, giving it substance here on earth. Our hope is built on an already accomplished and granted reality in heaven, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”  (Ephesians 1:3).

But faith, because of our mutual love, brings the eternal substance into reality into our lives and here on earth – faith, based on a word from the Lord, because of His love will manifest the rewards or blessings from heaven, now it’s easy to see why this followed after Enoch’s testimony! “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken, he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 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.” Faith the purchasing power, the money of heaven! Spend it wisely and bring more of heaven down to earth.

Blessings!

Ben

Our thanks to Ben for this month's Blog contribution

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