Cause I Gotta Have Faith

Faith is a word that is used constantly in the Bible and in our daily lives, but rarely explained and hard to define. The Bible defines it as "the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1), but that is also hard to understand and think about. We know we need faith in Jesus for salvation, so this is a word we not only need to know about, but also be able to build our life on it.

This is the best definition of faith I've ever heard and it comes from my boy J.C. Ryle and his insight from the theme of faith all throughout scripture:

'Saving faith is the hand of the soul. The sinner is like a drowning man at the point of sinking. He sees the Lord Jesus Christ holding out to help to him. He grasps it and is saved. This is faith (Hebrews 6:18).'

'Saving faith is the eye of the soul. The sinner is like the Israelite bitten by the fiery serpent in the wilderness, and at the point of death. The Lord Jesus Christ is offered to him as the brazen serpent set up for his cure. He looks and is healed. This is faith (John 3:14).'

'Saving faith is the mouth of the soul. The sinner is starving for want of food, and sick of a sore disease. The Lord Jesus Christ is set before him as the bread of life, and the universal medicine. He receives it, and is made well and strong. This is faith (John 6:35).'

'Saving Faith is the foot of the soul. The sinner is pursued by a deadly enemy, and is in fear of being overtaken. The Lord Jesus Christ is put before him as a strong tower, a hiding place, and a refuge. He runs into it and is safe. This is faith (Proverbs 18:10).'

"It is not the strength of your faith, but the object of your faith that actually saves you." (Tim Keller)

"If we are faithless, he remains faithful -- for he cannot deny himself" (2 Timothy 2:13)