Christian Living

BELIEF VERSUS FAITH

by paul hoffmaster
12/27/20
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Belief and Faith have intertwined to make a garment of confusion to many Believers.  If one wears the label of a Christian, it is imperative that he understands the difference between these two words.  Churches are full of people that base their acclamation of belief on the fact of Jesus’ historical existence.   They believe He displayed the Grace of God through miracles and acts of compassion.  They believe He was crucified.  They believe He rose from the dead and ascended to be with His Father.  They believe that eternal life is given to all those who accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord.  Their belief is based on factual data which is validated through the Bible.

Faith is acting on what one believes.  Belief is the window to the Kingdom of God, while Faith is the doorway into the Kingdom.  Belief acknowledges while Faith acts on that knowledge.  Churches are full of Christians that fail to expand their belief into Faith.  It is one thing to confess what one believes, but it is entirely a different thing to evolve that belief into an action called Faith.  Lukewarm Christians are those who have a confession of Belief but lack a profession of Faith.  Belief is an affirmation, while Faith is a confirmation evidenced by action.  Belief incurs salvation, while Faith displays salvation.  What distinguishes Belief from Faith is that Belief talks about what one believes, while Faith acts on what one believes.  Faith does not stand by itself.  Works are the defining ingredient of Faith.  In fact, if works are not a part of Faith, there is no Faith. (James 2:26) 

Our churches are being defined by the verbalizing of their beliefs, rather than by the actions of Faith.  Many Christians have reverted to stationary beliefs that have little or no effect on the unchurched.   Belief identifies the fig tree and the mountain, while Faith removes life from the tree and casts the mountain into the sea. (Matthew 21:21)  Belief believes in Jesus’ power, while Faith displays His power.

One who is full of faith (faithful) not only sees the problem but walks through the problem to the victory.  Actions have more power than memorized words.  If the Church of this generation does not move from “academic” Belief (just studying the Word) to displaying the living Christ (Faith), we will see a diminishing of its effectiveness.

It does not take a lot of effort to Believe, but it takes everything to live a life of Faith!