Principle
Faith is action created by one’s belief in the unseen or unexperienced.
Explanation
Over the past 600 years, substantial debate has arisen around the concept of biblical faith.
Sadly, over time, the biblical concept of faith has been replaced with a diluted half-truth.
Today, most people think that faith simply means “belief.” It doesn’t.
When GOD told Noah He was going to destroy the world with a flood, Noah’s faith saved him and his family.
7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
Hebrews 11:7 NIV
Let’s break down what happened:
- GOD decided to flood the world.
- Noah found grace because he was righteous.
- GOD told Noah His plan and instructed Noah to build an ark.
- Noah believed GOD.
- Noah’s belief moved him to obey GOD and build the ark exactly how GOD told him.
- Noah was saved from death by being in the ark when GOD sent the flood waters.
Suppose for a moment that Noah stopped at point 4 above—he believed GOD but did nothing.
Would Noah have been saved from the flood if he believed GOD was going to destroy the world but did not build the ark as GOD had said?
No!
Likewise, would Noah have been saved if he built a different boat than the one GOD described?
No! GOD had specified exactly what to do and how it was to be done.
Noah had faith, so Noah executed GOD’s plan as he was told.
Therefore:
- One who disbelieves does not have faith.
- One who believes but does not respond accordingly does not have faith.
- Only the one who believes and acts upon that belief has faith.
Remember, GOD cares about outcomes. Outcomes are what gets actually done.
By faith, Noah built.
Got faith? Then live like it!
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