Why is Faith important?
Faith is having confidence or trust in a person or a thing. It is a belief that is not based on proof. This simple definition is a foundational doctrine in Christianity. Faith shapes our belief system and in turn, changes the way we live our lives. Through our confidence in the Bible and our acceptance of Jesus as a propitiation for our sins, we model our lives after Christ. But, how does faith change the way I live my life?
Life is full of mysteries. Naturally, humans want answers. How did we get here? Where did we come from? What happens when we die? The Bible answers these questions. From creation to the afterlife, the Bible explains why we are here and our possible destinations in eternity. We have no proven certainties about creation or the afterlife. John 1:18 states, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known.” The Bible itself states that man has no proof of God except for Jesus Christ. Because of what Jesus did on the cross we should be eternally grateful. Not just what he did, but WHY he did it should lead us to a life of worship to God and service to others for His name’s sake. The penalty for our sin is death (Rom. 6:23) and Christ offered himself as a sinless sacrifice for the entire world and its sins. (1 John 2:2) Having faith in someone that loves us this much should change the way we live.
Our faith pleases God as well. Understanding what he gave to have a relationship with us should make us want to please Him.
Hebrews 11:6 says, “And 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 seek Him.”
Faith also has benefits. Earthly benefits as well as eternal benefits. Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Our relationship with Christ gives us strength in times of trouble knowing that the one who bore our sins actively intercedes on our behalf. (Rom 8:34) Jesus also promised that he would prepare a place called Heaven where we would spend eternity living in His presence and praising Him for all he has done for us. (John 14:1-13)
Our faith should change the way we live BECAUSE it pleases God. Heaven is our reward, but our lives reflect Christ when we claim to have a relationship with Him. Let us live in a way that brings honor to the name of Christ who gave his life for our sins.
