Trusted Faith

 

Now faith is an assumption of what is being expected, a conviction concerning matters which are not being observed. 

To the Hebrews 11: 1, Concordant New Testament 

I have always enjoyed watching The Chosen series depicting the ministry life of Jesus.  One of my favorite scenes involved the Roman soldier Gaius, who over time had come to know Jesus and His disciples.  Well, this scene of Gaius ties in with the scripture passage depicting the faith of the Roman Centurian {Matthews Account 8:5-9}.  In the scriptures, this Centurian seeks out Jesus for healing of his "Boy" who lies sick at home.  Despite the fact that Jesus is dealing with one of the despised Romans, He offers to come to the home of Gaius and heal his child.  This is where the situation turns from a healing opportunity for Jesus to a lesson in faith for the generations.  For Gaius, apparently realizing that his own personal history might prevent Jesus from granting his request, acknowledges that he is indeed unworthy to have the Son of God enter into his home.  Instead, obviously knowing the reputation of Jesus, he proclaims "But only say the word and my boy will be healed."  We're told that Jesus "marveled" at the faith of this gentile {Matthews Account 8:10}.  Of course, this instantly turned into a lesson on faith for Jesus' followers.  Jesus proclaims of this Roman, "With no one in Israel so much faith did I find."  In The Chosen, Jesus speaks to His denial by His own people and the religious leaders of His faith.  This is well documented.  Yet, one Roman, not a Jew, presents to us the greatest lesson on trusted faith we might ever know.  The writer of Hebrews speaks to faith as "An assumption of what is being expected" {To the Hebrews 11:1}.  I used to believe that faith centered around how many prayers I could offer up to the Lord to plead my cause.  If my prayer life was lacking, or is my own behaviors were not pleasing to the Lord, I could not expect for Him to honor my request.  This continues to be the teaching within the mainstream church.  However, nowhere in this approach do we see the trusted faith that what we ask of Jesus will be granted to us.  Trusting faith means that we have the faith of the Centurian.  That Jesus alone can grant what it is we ask of Him.  I agree that prayer is important, but prayer alone is empty if we do not believe in our hearts that Jesus is able to provide what we ask of Him.  

For in grace, through faith, are you saved, and this is not out of you; it is Gods approach present, not of works, lest anyone should be boasting. 

Paul to the Ephesians 2: 8-9, Concordant New Testament 

How is it that you trust that you are indeed saved?  Is it through the reading of scripture?  Do you believe that you have enough good deeds to "Punch your ticket" into heaven?  The apostle Paul speaks to this in his letter to the believers in Ephesus.  Paul speaks to the truth that our salvation doesn't come from what we have done, but only through the grace of God.  That our salvation is the gift of God {Paul to the Ephesians 2:8-9}.  Trusted faith realizes that it is but through Christ Jesus that we are saved.  Paul proclaims that salvation is not of works, "Lest anyone should be boasting."  Paul, of course, knew that were salvation a result of our own efforts, that many would proclaim themselves the reason for the gift which they had received.  Christ dd not die on the cross only for man to proclaim his own salvation!  It is Jesus who became sin that we would be saved {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  It is God who dispatched His only Son that through Him all would be saved {Johns Account 3:16-17}.  Trusted faith understands this truth.  Faith also dictates that we are created in the Fathers likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  Faith also speaks that we live in union with the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  These are more than just words in the scriptures.  This is the conviction of things which are not being observed {To the Hebrews 11:1}.  

~Scott~