It may be helpful to differentiate between belief and faith. There are strong similarities in their meanings, but also differences. For example, we may believe something, but that belief may have little to do with our conduct. I knew a physician who believed firmly in the value of good nutrition, but he ate greasy fatty foods. Several friends were stern about the dangers of smoking, but they smoked. If we accept the impression of faith as the Bible teaches it, there is change in conduct that accompanies faith. Belief may be logical assent, in a kind of acquiescence without any change in character or conduct. Faith, in the biblical sense, is particular and insistent about life-change faith. Aware of our problems with faith, God insists on conduct to undergird faith.
This particular and special concept of faith includes identifying God by name. Moses wanted to know God’s name, and was given, I AM. Isaiah said that his name will be called Emmanuel, meaning God with us. Elohim (a general word for god in the Hebrew) became particular in Jehovah. At last the human race was given a clear name to express not only who the person was and is, the one born of Mary, but what he would do to inspire faith – Jesus who is called Christ. So a person might believe in an historical person known as Jesus, but the person of faith must recognize that this is the unique Jesus – the savior who is called Christ (anointed). When that takes hold, Christian faith rises. The effective birth of that particular faith causes persons to be born again – to new life. Something has occurred in us that includes more than mind surrender.
This vital refinement was projected by the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:15-17: Gospel . . . . here is revealed God’s way of righting wrong, a way that starts from faith and ends in faith. . . he shall gain life who is justified by faith. (NEB) This action shifts ground for us, who tend to believe that we may work for and earn immortality. One religion believes that the repetition of the name of God and his prophet; a visit to the sacred city; doing charitable works; praying daily; and day fasting for a month annually will gain heaven. In all the analysis of the religion, both in honor and in criticism, there is almost no discussion about the pertinent claim in biblical Christianity – that such a religion is one of works. Salvation is awarded (different from current rewarded) by faith. The gift of immortality is in the word faith about Jesus involved in us beyond his earthly sojourn.
Faith, in the Christian sense of the word, is to accept redemption as a gift, and then to live out that salvation in righteous and devoted conduct. The latter (conduct) is evidence of the generator (faith). Salvation is not in righteousness and obedience, but engenders them offering integrity to the faith. Belief is a common synonym for faith, and faith for belief, but in reality, faith rises to grasp more than belief. Christian faith holds there is no way that our performance, even when it is commendable, provides merit for eternal life. Faith in works can never set one free, in that the person must constantly wonder if enough work has been done, and if the right work has been chosen. For persons of faith, the most effective virtue is in believing Christ’s substitution in behalf of believers. Devotion and conduct are follow-up to prove/test faith. Faith life is the grasp of spiritual birth. That birth assures citizenship, but faith helps live out the meaning of that citizenship to which the person is newly born. God then appoints the person as an ambassador in the old country. That faith makes joining of earth persons to the assurance of the promises of God for the promised land. All this takes firm believing faith and living. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020