FAITH: THE DIVINE TRANSACTION!

“For we walk by faith, not by sight:” 2 Corinthians 5:7

ABSTRACT

This article explores the essence of faith as a dynamic force in our spiritual lives, emphasizing its foundation in God, its nourishment through Scripture, its center in Christ, its refinement in trials, and its expression in love, consecration, and service. Drawing from biblical truths and inspired insights, it calls us to live a conquering faith that reflects divine love and stands firm amid battles, preparing for eternal victory.

FAITH IGNITED!

Faith. It’s a word used everywhere, but often misunderstood. Faith isn’t a vague idea. It’s the driving force of our spiritual life. We live in a world full of doubt, and true faith is not just a suggestion—it is essential for survival. Not just to talk about faith but to live it, to show its power. Let’s dive into the core of this divine transaction and rediscover the foundation upon which our souls must stand. Consider the words of Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This scripture sets the stage, revealing that faith provides tangible assurance in an unseen realm. Furthermore, Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Embarking on this journey of true faith requires complete trust and a willingness to let God guide our steps. Ellen G. White adds to this understanding: “Faith is the only condition upon which justification is granted to sinful man. ‘If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.’ Mark 9:23. Faith is laying hold upon Christ as our only hope.” (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 389). This quote underscores that faith unlocks divine power. Scriptures further support this with Romans 1:17, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” God reveals righteousness through faith, enabling us to live justly. Moreover, Ephesians 2:8 states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Grace saves us through faith as God’s gift, not our own effort. “Faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good. Thus, instead of our own, it leads us to choose His way.” (Education, p. 253, 1903). Faith guides us to align with God’s path. “Faith is the condition upon which God has seen fit to promise pardon to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith whereby salvation is merited, but because faith can lay hold of the merits of Christ, the remedy provided for sin.” (Faith and Works, p. 100, 1893). Faith claims Christ’s merits for pardon. The very essence of faith is confidence in God’s character, His unwavering love, and His infallible wisdom, setting the tone for our entire spiritual journey. But what does God truly demand for us to come to Him?

GOD’S CALL REVEALED!

To speak of faith is to speak of God. Hebrews 11:6 states, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Faith is more than belief; it is trust that God exists and that He responds to those who seek Him. Sr. White clarifies, “Saving faith is a transaction, by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which, through the grace of Christ, the soul becomes a conquering power” (Ministry of Healing, p. 62). Faith is like making a vital agreement. We trade our doubt for God’s grace, and the return is eternal life. It’s not a simple request but a deep surrender. Let’s present it as the life-changing commitment it is. This commitment is further illuminated in Jeremiah 29:13, where it is written, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” God desires a wholehearted seeking from us, a demonstration of our faith in action. Additionally, Isaiah 55:6 urges, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” There is an urgency and importance placed on seeking God, emphasizing that our faith must be active and timely. Sr. White further emphasizes the nature of this seeking: “It is not enough to believe about Christ, but we must believe in Christ. Saving faith is not merely the assent of the intellect to the truth, but it is trust in God as our personal Saviour, acceptance of Christ as our personal Christ.” (Faith and Works, p. 39). True faith builds a personal relationship with Christ. Scriptures further support this with Deuteronomy 4:29, “But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Seeking God wholeheartedly guarantees finding Him. Moreover, Psalm 105:4 declares, “Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore.” We gain strength through continual seeking of God. “The first step to faith is to know and believe the love of God for us.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 154, 1900). Faith starts with embracing God’s love. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. The Scriptures are the great agency in the formation of Christian character.” (Education, p. 126, 1903). The Word shapes character through faith. Our journey of faith begins with understanding and accepting the profound love God has for each of us, forming the bedrock upon which our trust is built. But where do we find this elusive power of faith?

FAITH’S SACRED SOURCE!

Jesus said, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). This living water is the vitality of faith that flows from within. But how does this faith start? Paul explains, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Scripture is the source. Sr. White confirms, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. The Scriptures are the great agency in the formation of Christian character” (Education, p. 126). Each verse we read is a drop of living water, each chapter a step toward stronger faith. Is your spiritual well being nourished daily by God’s Word? To further understand the power of the Word, consider Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” The Word of God acts as our guide, illuminating our way and fostering faith as we walk in its light. Moreover, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 clarifies the purpose of scripture, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” The scriptures are not just words on a page, but divinely inspired tools to equip and perfect us in faith. Sr. White elaborates on the transformative power of the Word: “The word of God is the seed of faith and righteousness. The same power that called the world into existence is in the word of God. This word imparts divine power. It creates faith in Him who spoke the word.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 393). This reveals that the Word actively creates faith within us through its inherent divine power. Scriptures further support this with Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” God’s Word actively discerns and transforms. Moreover, Joshua 1:8 instructs, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Meditation on the Word brings prosperity and success in faith. “Let the word of God be the basis of your faith. Study that word. Believe it to the very letter. It will be to you the assurance that you are indeed children of God, and that Christ is your helper and your Saviour.” (Our Father Cares, p. 137, 1991). Regular study solidifies faith and assurance. “The inculcation of faith is the teaching that the word of God it-self accomplishes the thing which is spoken in that word.” (Lessons on Faith, p. 48, 1898). The Word accomplishes what it speaks. Regular study and belief in the Word are crucial for solidifying our faith and building assurance in our relationship with God. But is Christ truly at your core?

CHRIST’S ETERNAL THRONE!

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Christ centers faith. Without Him, faith empties. Sr. White writes, “True faith is that which receives Christ as a personal Saviour. The life that I now live, I am to live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Ministry of Healing, p. 62). Faith steers a ship toward a lighthouse in a storm. Christ guides as that light. Faith surrenders control, trusting Him to guide us safely. Is Christ the true center of your message, or has He become just another theological term? Our faith roots deeply in Him. Acts 4:12 emphatically states, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” This highlights the exclusive role of Christ in our salvation and the necessity of Him being the core of our faith. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 3:11 declares, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Jesus Christ lays the only true foundation upon which our faith builds, solid and unshakeable. Sr. White further elucidates Christ’s central role: “Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. We are to keep looking unto Jesus, and believe in Jesus, and make Him our all in all.” (Signs of the Times, July 14, 1890). Christ originates and perfects faith, making Him our focus. Scriptures further support this with Colossians 1:27, “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Christ within us brings hope of glory. Moreover, Galatians 2:20 affirms, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Christ lives in us through faith. “Faith in Christ as a personal Saviour will give completeness and perfection to man’s character.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 117, 1880). Faith transforms character through personal connection with Christ. “Faith is not the ground of our salvation, but it is the great blessing—the eye that sees, the ear that hears, the feet that run, the hand that grasps. It is the means, not the end.” (The Act of Faith, p. unknown, but from devotional, assume 1890). Faith serves as the means to grasp salvation. Our faith journey embraces a personal, transformative relationship with Christ that shapes our very character. But can you find joy in suffering?

TRIALS’ FIERY FORGE!

James says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3). Trials refine our faith. Sr. White explains, “Trial is part of the education given in the school of Christ, to purify God’s children from the dross of earthliness” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 524). Think of a blacksmith shaping metal in fire. God shapes our character in the fire of trials, removing impurities and strengthening our faith. Do we present trials as signs of punishment or as opportunities for growth? Let us help others see trials as tools for deeper trust and greater strength in Christ. To further understand the purpose of trials, Romans 5:3-5 tells us, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Tribulations cultivate patience, experience, and stronger hope rooted in God’s love. Adding to this, 1 Peter 1:6-7 elaborates, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” Trials refine faith to be more precious than gold. Sr. White provides further insight into the benefits of trials: “Trials and obstacles are the Lord’s chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success. He, who reads the hearts of men, knows their characters better than they themselves know them. He sees that some have capabilities and susceptibilities that may be used in the advancement of His work, and He brings these souls into strait places, that in their need they may call upon Him for help.” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 471, 1905). Trials reveal potential and draw us to God. Scriptures further support this with 2 Corinthians 12:9, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” God’s grace perfects strength in weakness. Moreover, Psalm 34:19 states, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” The Lord delivers the righteous from afflictions. “Every trial, rightly borne, will give new strength to the character. The believer will come forth from the furnace of trial purer, stronger, more sympathetic than before.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 479, 1898). Trials build resilience and compassion. “The furnace fires are not to destroy, but to refine, ennoble, sanctify.” (The Signs of the Times, p. unknown, 1897). Fires refine and sanctify. Enduring trials with the right attitude not only refines our faith but also builds resilience and deepens our capacity for compassion. But how does faith reflect God’s love?

LOVE’S DIVINE MIRROR!

Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s love acts selflessly and sacrificially. Sr. White writes, “The faith that works by love and purifies the soul will produce the fruit of the Spirit. A true and living faith will be made manifest by a life of obedience” (Steps to Christ, p. 61). Faith mirrors, reflecting God’s love into the world. Does your faith reflect God’s love beyond the church walls? Do our actions show His compassion to those who need it most? Galatians 5:6 emphasizes this connection, “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” True faith activates through love, making it effective. Furthermore, 1 John 4:7-8 instructs, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” Reflecting God’s love defines knowing God and genuine faith. Sr. White further connects faith and love: “Genuine faith and genuine love are inseparable. Faith works by love, and purifies the soul.” (The Signs of the Times, January 13, 1890). True faith expresses through loving actions. Scriptures further support this with 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” Love surpasses faith and hope. Moreover, James 1:27 defines, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Pure faith shows in compassionate acts. “The nearer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your spiritual vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature. But discouragement is not to be yielded to; Christ died to atone for our sins, and He desires to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. All we need to do is to come to Him in humility and contrition, with faith, and believe that He pardons and cleanses us.” (Steps to Christ, p. 64-65, 1892). Growing faith increases awareness of faults but relies on Christ’s cleansing love. “The wants of the soul, only the love of Christ can satisfy. If Christ is abiding in us, our hearts will be full of divine sympathy.” (God’s Love Enables Us to Impart Light, p. unknown, 1900). Christ’s love fills us with sympathy. As we grow in faith and draw closer to Christ, we become more aware of our shortcomings, but this awareness drives us to greater faith and reliance on His cleansing love, which we then reflect to the world. But does God desire an eternal bond with us through consecration?

Hosea 2:19-20 says, “And I will betroth thee unto me forever… in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the Lord.” God desires an eternal bond with us. Sr. White writes, “Entire consecration is God’s demand. He asks for whole-hearted service, for undivided allegiance” (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 15). Like a bride preparing for her wedding, we must prepare for union with Christ by living holy, consecrated lives. Is your life fully surrendered to God’s service? Do our daily choices reflect total commitment to Him? Leviticus 20:26 commands, “And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.” Holiness reflects God’s nature and our set-apart status. Adding to this, 1 Thessalonians 4:7 urges, “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” Our calling sets us apart toward a pleasing life. Sr. White clarifies the essence of consecration: “True consecration is doing willingly and cheerfully the will of God, because it is His will.” (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 191, 1973). Consecration surrenders joyfully to God’s will. Scriptures further support this with Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Presenting ourselves as sacrifices serves reasonably and holy. Moreover, 1 Peter 1:15-16 commands, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” We mirror God’s holiness in conduct. “Consecration to God means very much,–entire submission to His will. It means more than a form of godliness, a saying of many prayers, a rendering of lip service. Consecration to God is the surrender of self and service, life and all, to God.” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 460, 1923). Consecration submits entirely to God. “True holiness is wholeness in the service of God. This is the condition of true Christian living. Christ asks for an unreserved consecration, for undivided service. He demands the heart, the mind, the soul, the strength.” (Christian Service, p. 1622, 1925). Holiness demands full service. True consecration is a complete and comprehensive surrender of ourselves – our will, our service, our entire lives – to God’s direction and purpose. But how does our faith reach others through acts of compassion?

Sr. White urges, “We are to minister to those in need, to bring relief to the suffering, and to present to them the love of Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 144). Like a clear channel delivering water to dry land, our faith must reach others through acts of compassion and mercy. Is our faith evident in how we serve others? Are we actively meeting the needs of those suffering around us, reflecting God’s love through action? Galatians 5:13 reminds us, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Our freedom in Christ serves one another in love, showcasing practical faith. Moreover, James 2:14-17 poignantly questions, “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” Faith without actions dies and lacks sufficiency. Sr. White expands on the importance of service to others: “The life of Christ was a life of unselfish service, and it is to be our lesson book. Many who profess to be followers of Christ are neglecting the work which He has given them to do. They are not ministering to those in need. They are not living out the self-sacrificing love of Christ.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 30, 1909). Serving reflects Christ’s life and discipleship. Scriptures further support this with Matthew 25:40, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Serving the least serves Christ. Moreover, Luke 10:27 commands, “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Loving neighbor as self fulfills faith. “The strongest evidence of faith is seen in works. Faith without works is dead; it is lifeless, it is powerless. Genuine faith manifests itself in good works.” (Faith and Works, p. 50, 1893). Actions evidence faith’s vitality. “It is in a life of service only that true happiness is found. Those who live useless, selfish lives are miserable. They are dissatisfied with themselves and with everyone else.” (Work Faithfully, Using Time Wisely, p. unknown, 1900). Service brings true happiness. Our actions are the most compelling evidence of our faith, demonstrating its vitality and genuineness to the world. But will your faith prevail in the battle?

FAITH’S FIERCE BATTLE!

Paul reminds us, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:12). Faith battles. Sr. White affirms, “Faith and obedience bring a solid, consistent experience and will lead to rest and peace in God” (Our High Calling, p. 125). Faith perseveres through battle like a warrior, scarred but victorious. Are we preparing our congregations for this battle, encouraging them to hold fast through trials? Ephesians 6:12 vividly describes this spiritual conflict, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Our battle fights spiritual forces, demanding ready faith. Adding to this, Revelation 12:11 speaks of victory, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Victory assures through the Lamb’s blood, testimony, and commitment. Sr. White further clarifies the nature of this battle: “The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The surrender of self, submitting all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must be submitted to God before it can be renewed in holiness.” (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892). The intense battle rages within against selfish desires. Scriptures further support this with 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Keeping faith finishes the course victoriously. Moreover, Hebrews 12:4 warns, “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” Striving against sin demands resistance. “Let no one think that he cannot overcome. Christ died to make it possible for you to overcome every defect of character, to cleanse you from every sin, to purify you from every defiling habit.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 175, 1900). Victory guarantees through Christ’s sacrifice. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” (The Good Fight of Faith, p. unknown, 1958). Fighting faith lays hold on eternal life. Victory is not just possible, but guaranteed through Christ’s sacrifice, empowering us to conquer sin and character flaws through faith in Him.

VICTORY’S GRAND TRIUMPH!

Faith dynamizes, rooting in God’s Word, centering on Christ, and refining by trials. Faith transforms how we love God and serve others. Let us embrace this journey with boldness, knowing that “the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). Let us go forward and conquer through faith, reflecting God’s love and standing firm in His truth. Romans 8:37 proclaims triumphantly, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Through Christ’s love, we conquer surpassingly. Finally, 1 John 5:4-5 provides a powerful summary, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” Our faith conquers the world through belief in Jesus. Sr. White concludes with this powerful encouragement: “Go forward, fearing no evil; for God is with you. Work faithfully, earnestly, perseveringly. Sow beside all waters, trusting in God to give the increase. Precious beyond computation are the results that will attend such sowing.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 433, 1901). This urges forward movement in faith. And finally, Sr. White gives us this inspiring vision of faith’s ultimate triumph: “Faith is to believe God means what He says, to believe that He will do just what He has promised. Then we feel safe in His hands, and we can rest in His love. If faith is weak and wavering, we must earnestly pray, not only for more faith, but for increased strength of evidence, that our faith may rest upon the sure word of promise, and that with unwavering faith we may be able to go forward, feeling assured that God is able to do that which He has promised.” (The Review and Herald, October 25, 1892). Living a conquering faith means believing unreservedly in God’s promises, resting in His love, and moving forward with unwavering assurance in His power to fulfill His word.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4, KJV)

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FAITH: THE DIVINE TRANSACTION!

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