The "Object" of Our Faith

Photo By Wendy van Zyl @ Brown Book Page https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-book-page-1112048/

​"Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen."
​-- Hebrews 11:1

​Many have studied the doctrine of Justification by Faith, and have used it as a way to disregard the need for holy, Christ-like living. In fact, many would misinterpret the Doctrine of Grace to mean that we can do whatever we want, God will forgive us. He is faithful and just to do so, you know?

However, this was not the kind of thinking and practice that was going on in Paul’s day. He was not dealing with people that wouldn’t live holy, righteous lives. What he was dealing with were Jews that had rejected the Messiah (Jesus Christ) and were putting their faith in their works. They were “believing” that they were saved because of their own ability to follow the Law. 

​Consider what James wrote, “Yea, a man may say, Thou has faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” (James 2:18).
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Many Jews during Paul's day were putting their faith in their own works. In other words, the “object” of their faith was in their own ability to follow the Law. This is the exact essence of self-righteousness.

​However, in our day, we are dealing with even much worse issues. Truth be told, many believe in the false doctrine that all you have to do is believe in God and you'll be saved. The problem with that thought process is that even the demons believe (James 2:19). Does that mean they are saved?

Moreover, there is this belief that all you have to do is "accept" the Lord into your heart, accepting Him as your personal savior -- and some how doing this also implies being filled with the Holy Spirit. The only problem with that idea is that it is not scriptural. In fact, I heard a preacher once say, "It is not you that accepts God, it is God that accepts you." 

​I know this might be hard to read, but there is more to salvation than just believing. Notice what James said. He said that he would show his faith “by” his works and not “through” his works.

If you were to do an intense study on the topic of faith you would find that every good thing that comes from God comes through the avenue of faith. In fact, many times Christ told people that it was by their faith that they were made whole.

Moreover, you'll find that every man has been giving a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Some have great faith (Matthew 8:10, Luke 7:9, Matthew 15:28) and others have little faith (Matthew 8:26).

We also find in Hebrews 11:6 that it is impossible to please God without faith, for one must believe that He (Jesus) is (that He exist and that He is God), and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

But, again, it is more than just believing for we must “diligently seek”. Seeking is an action verb. So there must be some action (or work) behind our belief (faith) in order to reap the reward.
​

"Therefore We Conclude That a Man is Justified by Faith
Without The Deeds of the Law" - Romans 3:28 

Now, we find the origin of the doctrine of Justification by Faith in Romans 3:28, however, what you have to take into account is the term “therefore” which indicates Paul’s reasoning for saying this proclamation.

In order to understand that reasoning, you have to read the entire 3rd chapter of Romans to know where Paul is coming from. For instance, look at Romans 3:3, “For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?”

No, of course not!

Paul makes it clear in his argument (the entire 3rd chapter) that ALL of have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God – both the Jew and Gentile. And he makes clear that the Law is nothing more than a looking glass into the heart of man. He said in Romans 3:20, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

Now, there are a few interesting things to highlight here:
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1. No flesh shall by justified in his sight (his own sight) by following the deed of the Law
2. Salvation “by” the law is the knowledge of sin.

Didn’t James mention something about showing his faith “by” his works above?

Now, this brings us back to Hebrews 11:1 (our opening text). Notice how that verse is broken down into two parts.
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1. The substance of things hoped for
2. The evidence of things not seen.

There is some very interesting terminology being used here. One is substance, and the other is evidence.

First thing that you got to understand is that hope is always referring to something in the future. The reason I say this is because if "what is hoped for" is already present ... then there would not be any need in hoping, or would there?

What is it that we are hoping for? 

I believe the answer to that question is Eternal life with Christ Jesus. In other words, our hope is our ultimate desire to live with Him in Heaven. We are not there yet, but it will happen soon. It is in the future tense.

What does it mean when it says, “the evidence of things not seen”? 

I believe this intertwines with Colossians 1:14-15 where it says, “In whom [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” 

Christ is the evidence or manifestation (the image) of the unseen (or invisible) God.

So what does that make faith? 

I believe Hebrews 11:1 makes it clear that the “object” (the substance and evidence) of our faith is Jesus Christ and Him Crucified (as well as His resurrected life).

So let us wrap this article up by clearly describing the doctrine of Justification by Faith in a biblical context.

We must first understand that the object of our faith is not in or through our own “works”, but in Christ Jesus and Him Crucified. In other words, it is by the works that He accomplished on Calvary that we have been made justified.

But like James said, “I will show you my faith ‘by’ my works”. Not through my works am I saved and justified, but “by” my works I show you what my faith is in – the object of my faith, which is in Christ Jesus and Him Crucified.

How do I show my faith “by” my works? 

I do that by being obedient to the Gospel message. What is the Gospel message? It is the Good News of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

​How do I apply the Good News of the Gospel in my life?

By repenting of my sins (death), by being water baptized in Jesus Name (burial), which there is no other name under heaven whereby I must be saved. And, lastly, by being filled with the Spirit of God with the evidence (there’s that word again) of speaking in tongues (resurrection).

This work in progress is made evident in Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

According to the Bible, just as we have ALL sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, we have ALL been made justified for our sins by the redemptive Supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary.

​But just because we are justified by the works that God did on Calvary, and we believe (have faith) in what He did, doesn’t mean that we are saved. Even the demons have this ability to believe, but do nothing about it.

Salvation is more than just believing or having faith in God, and believing in what He did on Calvary. You must do what James said and “show your faith by your works”.

Now, this is not to be misread or misinterpreted as meaning you are obtaining salvation through your own works, but rather by your obedience to the Gospel message -- the death (repentance), burial (baptism in Jesus Name), and resurrection (infilling of the Holy Ghost) -- "your faith has made you whole." 

In closing, I encourage you to find a church that preaches the Oneness of God, and baptizes in the name of Jesus Christ. Consider reading through the United Pentecostal Church International's (UPCI) website and utilize their church locator to find a church near you. 

And if there is not a UPCI church near you, consider looking through the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ's (ALJC) website and utilizing their church locator feature. 

Finally, I want to encourage you to subscribe to our monthly Bible Study Blog and Newsletter so you never miss a beat. Plus, when you subscribe today, you'll also be given access to a complimentary digital copy of our booklet, "Etiquette: For Apostolic Christian Writers." If you have ever felt called to the Writing Ministry (in any way) then this resource is for you. 

​Until next time, please take a moment to share your thoughts on this lesson in the comments below. I look forward to reading your insights. And if you so desire, consider following me on Instagram. I look forward to connecting with you there. ​

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Hi, my name is William Ballard! 

I'm the Founder and CEO of William Ballard & Associates, LLC where we work with incredible business owners and entrepreneurs like yourself every single day. We are big believers in the fact that one of the main keys to your success as to do with your spiritual growth. With that said, I encourage you to schedule a Bible Study call with us. We would love to be able to share the Love of God with you, and to be able to pray over any needs you might have. 

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