4.— “Without Faith It Is Impossible to Please God”
THERE is one unchanging truth which, like a golden sunbeam, shines through every page of Scripture, and finds expression in these all-important words, "Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
Ever since Satan's lie brought sin, sorrow, and death into the world, there has been one only way of blessing for man; it is to trust confidingly in the God who created him for His own glory, and who gave His creature breath that he might seek, and find, His Maker. In all God's ways with man, in the past, present, and future, nothing changes this immutable principle. In every age, from God's first promise that "the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head, down to the closing words of Christ, "Surely I come quickly," faith shines clearly out before the soul's vision as the clarion note of triumph and victory. Furthermore, God's Holy Spirit explains the true meaning of "faith" as the ground of assurance, "the substantiating of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." It brings the soul into direct contact with God Himself; and rests, without a question, on His unfailing word, for, "it is impossible for God to lie.”
Hebrews 11. is the Spirit's commentary on those Old Testament saints, who, from Abel downwards, were found, in their day, in constant touch with God. Strange to say, though true, the principle of faith is what is acted on, more or less, every day, in the many transactions of life, for moral chaos would ensue if man did not trust his fellowman, and "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater.”
Abel's offering; Enoch's walk; Noah's warning testimony; Abraham's pilgrim journey, and his offering up of Isaac; Sarah's trust in God's promise; Isaac's blessing of Jacob and Esau; Jacob's parting blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh; Joseph's dying instructions concerning his bones; Moses' choice of affliction with the people of God, rather than the pleasures of sin; and his esteeming the reproach of Christ above all the treasures of Egypt, are bright and fascinating gems in the coronet of faith which shed their luster on the past, illuminate the future, and give strength in the present evil day. Yes, faith means "victory all along the line," for it lifts the veil from the unseen, overcomes the world, believes what God says, rests on what Christ has done, listens to the Spirit's voice, soars above the dark clouds of earth, and folds its wings, like the dove, in perfect peace, upon the very throne of God.
Working by love faith removes mountains, and not only brings God into each circumstance of daily life, but gives the soul to feel the power of that Almighty hand that upholds the universe. If this grand muster-roll of God's worthies, handed down through the centuries, is recorded for our comfort and joy, what shall we say about the One who, the "Author and Finisher of faith," outstrips them all? The stars may shine in the firmament of heaven, but must needs pale their lesser lights before the splendor of that Sun whose transcendent glory eclipses every human thought. For Him alone, who "endured the cross, and despised the shame," is reserved the special seat of honor and glory at God's right hand. Let the eyes of our faith then "look off unto Jesus," for He alone is worthy to take His proper place upon the Father's throne. To Him is rightly given "all power in heaven and earth"; and, in His wounded hand, the mighty Conqueror holds the keys of death and of hades. While here below, none ever trusted God like the lowly Nazarene; and, from the manger to the cross, the path He trod was one of absolute obedience and entire dependence on God. "Even Christ pleased not himself," and He alone could say, "The Father hath not left me alone, for I do always those things that please him.”
It is from the lips of this dependent Man we hear those weighty words, "Have faith in God," and who shall ever count up all the blessings of those who walk by faith, and not by sight"? Ere we close this paper, let us briefly notice a few of them: Faith listens, like Samuel, to the call of God, and gladly answers, "Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.”
Faith obeys, like the nobleman, the word of God, and receives the blessing, "Go thy way; thy son liveth.”
Faith looks up, like the bitten Israelite of old; and, looking, the soul "passes from death unto life.”
Faith cries, like the dying robber, "Lord, remember me," and obtains salvation, even at the eleventh hour.
Faith walks, like Peter, across the storms of life, and finds its haven in the arms of Jesus.
Faith endures, like Moses, "as seeing Him who is invisible," and knows no fear; "not even the wrath of the king.”
Faith prays, like Elijah, earnestly, and "showers of blessing" are the divine answer.
Faith believes, like the two blind men, in the power of God, and at once proves His delivering grace.
Faith sings, like Hannah, "The Lord will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness.”
Faith waits on God, like Simeon, and joyfully exclaims, when the answer comes, "Mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”
Faith acts, like Rahab, and promptly "hangs the scarlet line in the window.”
Faith triumphs, through obedience, and Jericho's walls fall down as the divine token of its victory.
Yes; every blessing God can give is at the disposal of faith, and it is the golden key that unlocks all the treasures of His boundless grace.
Hence, dear reader, I beseech you now to have “faith in God," and you will then be able to sing:
“Faith always looks away from self,
To Jesus on the throne;
And says, "Because He's there I know
That all my sins are gone.”
S. T.