The Roots of Faith

For Christians, the roots of faith refer to the foundational beliefs and events described in the Scriptures. This includes key events from the Old and New Testaments that outline God’s plan for humanity and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ.

(Romans 5:1)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”

A Personal Faith Journey refers to personal experiences, teachings, and influences shaping our belief system. This includes family upbringing, religious education, personal encounters, and life experiences contributing to one’s spiritual growth. You might even argue that faith is essential to believing in anything that involves trust and conviction in something short on empirical evidence.  Others might suggest that belief can be based on philosophical reasoning, personal experiences, or cultural influences, even without the traditional concept of faith.

The Bible defines faith beautifully in Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This verse emphasizes that faith is about trusting and believing in something even without tangible proof—it’s a confident expectation and a deep-seated certainty in things unseen. Proving the existence of something typically involves providing evidence that can be observed, measured, or logically inferred. Empirical evidence involves direct observation or experimentation. Sometimes, the existence of something can be proven through logical arguments and reasoning. Philosophers often use deductive and inductive reasoning to establish the existence of abstract concepts. Then there is mathematics. In mathematics, proving the existence of something involves using axioms, theorems, and logical deductions to demonstrate that a particular statement is true. Finally, historical events or entities are often proven to exist through written records, eyewitness accounts, and other forms of documentation. However, you will eventually find yourself standing before the question, is God real? This is a question that cannot be answered without faith!

A more profound thought might be why humans are the only living creatures who care to seek an answer to whether God is real. One apparent and logically inferred reason is we are different. Something, whether fully understood or not, occurred that separated humanity from all other earthly life forms.

(Genesis 2:7) – “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”

This brings us to history. We call them Scriptures. Written over thousands of years, the Bible provides historical evidence for discovering the roots of faith.

• Creation and the Image of God: The Bible begins with the creation account in Genesis, where God creates the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Humanity is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), conferring dignity, purpose, and responsibility.
• The Fall and Promise of Redemption: The narrative of the Fall in Genesis 3 introduces free will, sin, and death, severing the perfect relationship between God and humanity. However, God promises redemption through the coming of Christ (Genesis 3:15).
• Covenant with Abraham: God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12 establishes a lineage through which the Messiah would come. This covenant underscores the importance of faith and obedience in God’s redemptive plan (Genesis 12:2).
• The Law and the Prophets: Moses gave the Law to the Israelites, and the prophets’ messages guided Israel in righteousness and pointed to the need for a Savior. Jeremiah prophesied a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31).
• Fulfillment in Christ: The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these promises in Jesus Christ. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection culminate in God’s redemptive plan, offering salvation to all who believe (Matthew 1:1).

Faith and Doubt Coexist

Faith and doubt can, however, coexist. Numerous examples exist in the Bible of believers experiencing doubt while maintaining their faith. One notable instance is Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, who doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he saw and touched Jesus’ wounds (John 20:25-28). This encounter illustrates that doubt can lead to a deeper understanding and more assertive faith. Doubt can prompt believers to explore their faith more deeply, leading them to a more robust and resilient belief system. It can drive individuals to study Scripture, pray, and seek counsel from mature Christians. This process can help clarify uncertainties and reinforce one’s faith.

Faith is often seen as a choice to trust God despite uncertainties. In Mark 9:24, a father seeking healing for his son exclaims, “I do believe; help my unbelief!“. This paradoxical statement reflects the coexistence of faith and doubt within the believer’s heart, acknowledging that faith is not the absence of doubt but the decision to trust God despite it. Scripture encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding when faced with doubt. James 1:5-6 advises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, without doubting.” This passage underscores the importance of approaching God with a sincere heart, trusting in His willingness to provide clarity and guidance.

Why is Faith Important?

Faith offers a sense of stability and peace, especially during challenging times. Believers often find comfort in the assurance that they are not alone and God is with them. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing them to face life’s difficulties with a calm and centered mindset. Faith influences daily decisions and actions by providing a moral and ethical framework. Believers often turn to their faith for guidance on how to act in various situations, whether making essential life choices, interacting with others, or handling conflicts. Having deep roots in faith gives individuals a sense of purpose and direction. It helps them understand their place in the world and their role in God’s plan. This sense of purpose is often the motivation to pursue meaningful goals and contribute positively to society.

Importance of the Faith Rooted in Christ

Being rooted in faith provides stability and support during life’s challenges. Ephesians 3:17 emphasizes being “rooted and grounded in love,” which fosters spiritual growth and resilience. Just as roots draw nutrients from the soil, believers draw strength from their faith. Jeremiah 17:8 compares a person who trusts the Lord to a tree with deep roots, thriving even during droughts. Being rooted in Christ shapes one’s Christian identity and interactions with others. Colossians 2:6-7 highlights the importance of a strong spiritual foundation for fruitful living. Understanding the roots of faith from a biblical perspective helps believers connect with the foundational truths of Christianity, providing a solid foundation for spiritual growth and resilience.

Contemplations

• How does the Bible adhere to “observed, measured, or logically inferred” principles as worthy of belief because they are true?
  • Ideas to Explore: Studied, read, and referenced by millions of people, proven by archeological evidence, documented by multiple cultures and societies, and sustained the faith of a thousand generations.
• Humanity, in virtually every culture and language, describes a creator of their world. Who put it into the human mind?
  • Ideas to Explore: Is this the “breath of God?“
• One thought to remember is the profound impact of faith on personal growth and resilience. How does faith define you?
  • Ideas to Explore: Faith can provide stability and peace during challenging times. It can encourage individuals to develop patience, humility, and kindness. Faith can shape one’s identity and interactions with others. In the end, however, faith is necessary for having a positive outlook on life and a sense of purpose and direction.