Unshakable Faith
Much is said about faith in God’s Word. We understand this because Romans 10:17 teaches that faith is a product of the Word of God. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. We all need faith as we cannot be pleasing to God per Hebrews 11:6. Those Hebrews Christians were being reminded that they were to follow God’s N.T. Law. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. But this is true in all ages. God directed man through “Words” in the Garden of Eden, the Patriarchal age, the O.T. times and even now.
It is also evident today that some have faith that wavers, as some quit the church, are lax in attendance, fail to give as prospered, refuse to sing praises to God and many other things. This was also true of the Hebrews in the early church as the Spirit, in Hebrews 10:23, had the penman write: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) What was the Spirit saying? He was stating that the kind of faith all Christians should possess is that which is unshakeable.
This type of faith, that which is based on, and taught within the Word of God is not new to the New Testament times. Israel was God’s people in the Old Testament. He had written them a Law – the O.T. Law of Moses, and had given it to them to guide them. Their faith was to come from that Law. In Deuteronomy 32:16 we see how some of Israel had abandoned that Law. They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.And, in vs 20 we see why. It was because they were not keeping God’s Word. Their faith had faltered. And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.
If we allow ourselves to “waver”, whose fault is it? Whose fault was it as the people of God of the O.T. wavered and became unfaithful to God. It is solely our own fault. The Spirit had James address the “twelve tribes” that were scattered abroad (the church) in James 1:5-7 about this very thing. He wrote: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. Even when we ask God for something, the asking must be of faith. That means it must be in accordance with the Word of God.
We know from passages such as Romans 10:8 that the Word of God is the source of faith as it is what is preached. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; We also know from Romans 1:8 that the Christians there were well known for their faith. Would this be the case if their faith was one that wavered when tried? First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. There are others faithful as well, but many needed the admonition to be faithful, in the early church an many need it today.
Another way of saying “be unshakable” is to say “stand fast”. This type of admonition can be found in 1Corinthians 16:13 - Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Also – Galatians 5:1 - Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. And there are others. Those with a shakable faith are those who become entangled again. There is no reason our faith should be shaken, or waver. Remember that God’s Word is secure and cannot be shaken, and those on that foundation needn’t waver either. This is what 2Timothy 2:19 tell us and how we will strive to live our lives if we are “in Christ”. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. The only way to remain “unshaken” in faith is to follow the inspired advice from the pen of Paul in the second letter to those in Thessalonica. This is sound counsel still. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
This “Word” – the epistles – are the covenant of God to those who will be led by it. It is based in His Son and it is everlasting as God is everlasting. This was foretold by David and fulfilled in Christ, just as God said it would be. It is a promise from God and He is faithful in all His promises. We read this in Psalm 89:27-28 Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. 28 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him. If we remain “unshaken” and faithful, life (spiritual life) is ours. This we are told in 1Thessalonians 3:8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. Read His Word – Do His Word – Obey the gospel and stand fast. Have “unshakable” faith!
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
