Introduction:

My subject this morning is Faith. Paul has told us that "the just shall live by faith" (10:38), and that those who have faith "believe to the saving of the soul" (10:39). The substance, the ground, the foundation of our confident hope of eternal salvation is our faith in Christ. And that faith is the proof and evidence of our eternal justification and everlasting salvation. Faith understands what the most learned scientist cannot fathom. Faith understands that "the worlds were framed by the Word of God," for faith simply believes God. Abel understood that the only way a guilty man could approach God is by blood atonement. His brother, Cain, did not. Cain thought that a man could please God and win his favor by works. Abel believed God. Cain did not. Enoch understood that the only way a man could please God and be accepted of him is by faith. So Enoch walked with God by faith. And when he left this world, he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

1. What is faith?
2. Why is faith necessary?
3. How can I obtain this faith?
4. Do I have faith?

There are many forms of false faith by which the souls of men are deluded. Judas, Demas, and Deotriphes all had faith. But theirs was a false faith. Many people have a denominational faith. I do not say that their faith is without sincerity, devotion, and zeal. But unless they have that faith which is described in the Word of God, their faith is damning to their souls. As we saw a couple of weeks ago, even the devils have faith. But what is that true, saving faith, by which a man pleases God? That is the question I want to answer.

Paul says, "He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him." The text clearly shows the necessity of knowledge. Faith in Christ is a heart work. But it is not a leap in the dark. It is based upon knowledge. In order for us to trust, there must be someone, or something known for us to trust (Isa. 53:11; John 17:3). Two things, according to our text, must be known:

1. In order for anyone to have faith, he must know the Lord God, as he is revealed in the Person and work of Christ (John 1:18; 14:6-9; Heb. 1:1-3).

1. You must know that God is.
2. You must know that God is who He says He is.
3. You must know that God is what He says He is.
(1). Sovereign and good (Ex. 33:18-19).

(2). Just and gracious (Isa. 45:20-22).

(3). Holy and merciful (Isa. 6:3, 7).

4. The only way man can know god is by the revelation of God in Jesus Christ, the God-man (2 Cor. 4:5-6).



2. And you must know that God is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Isa. 55:3, 6, 7; Jer. 29:13-14).
All who seek the Lord, all who come to God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, shall be rewarded with eternal life and everlasting salvation. This too must be known. But how can we know that God will reward every believer with eternal salvation? By the Gospel! (1 Cor. 15:3; Rom. 3:24-26).

1. The Lord Jesus earned righteousness for His people (Rom. 5:19).
2. The Son of God purchased salvation for His elect (Gal. 3:13; Heb. 9:12).
3. God has promised that salvation to all who trust His Son (John 3:14-16, 36; Rom. 10:9-13).



3. This is the point I am making – Gospel knowledge is essential to saving faith. And the matter of paramount importance in the knowledge of the gospel is the redemptive work of Christ.

1. He is an able Redeemer – The God-man!
2. He is a willing Redeemer – (Isa. 50:5-7).
3. He is an effectual Redeemer – (Isa. 53:10).

Illustration: The woman with an issue of blood.

The Publican

The Leper

1. No one has ever pleased God and been accepted of Him except those who have simply believed.

Hebrews 11 records the names of 17 men and women, whose histories are well known, who pleased God. How did they do it? By faith alone!

Many others, mentioned in the Bible have perished under the wrath and curse of God, though they did some good, commendable things.
2. Repentance will not save you! (Esau – Judas).
3. Confession of sin will not save you! (Ahab – Saul)).
4. Self-denial and sacrifice will not save you! (Ananias).
5. Only faith pleases God, because only faith gives all praise, honor, and glory to the Son of God.
6. Faith is necessary, ecause without faith there is no vital union with Christ.

Illustration: The grafted branch.

The member and the head.

7. Faith is necessary, because God plainly declares that works have nothing to do with salvation (Eph. 2:8-9).

Illustration: Cain and Abel.

8. Faith is necessary, because salvation is by grace alone (Rom. 4:16; Gal. 5:2-4; 2 tim. 1:9).

1. Faith brings nothing!
2. Faith promises nothing!
3. Faith does nothing!

1. Not by heredity (John 1:11-13).
2. Not by education.
3. Not by reason.
4. Not by ceremony!
5. Faith in Christ is the free gift of God’s sovereign grace.

1. If you obtain faith, you will get it by God’s appointed means – Preaching (Rom. 10:13-17).
2. If you obtain faith, you will get it by Divine Revelation (Matt. 16:16; Gal. 1:15).
3. If you obtain faith, you will get it by regenerating grace and the irresistible call of God the Holy Spirit (John 6:63; Eph. 1:18-19).

1. I renounce all personal righteousness!
2. I trust Christ alone!
3. I willingly surrender to the rule of Christ as my Lord.
4. I love the Lord Jesus Christ and love my brethren.

Application: Mark 16:16; 1 John 5:10-13.

2. Confess Christ in baptism – Follow the Lamb!

3. Children of God, honor Christ – How? By faith.

1. Faith in Christ pleases God.
2. Faith in Christ honors God.
3. Faith in Christ is honored by God.