Divine faith is the belief of what God has revealed in His word. People may believe scripture truths, but not with divine faith unless they believe it on the basis of the authority of God speaking in His word.
This divine faith is the result of the Spirit of God in the heart of a man, implanting the habit or principle of faith and inciting a genuine acceptance and firm belief of whatever God reveals in His word.
The faith that the scripture teaches is what a person must believe concerning God, which can be divided into four categories: What God is, the persons in the Godhead, the decrees of God concerning everything that comes to pass, and the execution of them in His works of creation and providence.
The Indispensable Role of the Scriptures in Understanding God and Redemption
While the works of creation and providence demonstrate that there is God, the essential truth of God and the doctrines relating to the Trinity of Persons in the Unity of the Divine Essence, God’s acts and purposes, the creation of all things, the state of man at His creation, the fall of man, and His redemption through the mediation and satisfaction of Christ, can only be learned from the holy scriptures.
Therefore, we can conclude that without the scriptures, there can be no proper understanding of God gained through the ordinary way (Mat_22:29).
As there must be a dark night where there is no light, those regions of the earth without the saving knowledge of God would also lack the scriptures.
Paul tells the Ephesians that before the light of the gospel came to them, they were “without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Eph_2:12).
Unlocking Saving Faith: The Importance of Scripture Knowledge
Without knowledge of the scriptures, there can be no saving faith.
Paul writes in Romans 10:14-17, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Believe Only What Scripture Teaches: Christ as the Master of Your Faith
It is important to note that there is nothing that we are required to believe as a part of our faith other than what the scripture teaches, regardless of who proposes it or whatever they may pretend for their warrant.
“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa_8:20). No one can be our master in these things, “for one is our master, even Christ” (Mat_23:10).
He is the Lord of our faith, and we are obligated to believe whatever he has revealed in His word.
Obedience to God: Understanding the Duty and Importance of Following His Will and Laws
As for obedience, it is the duty that God requires of man, which is owed to God, His will, and His laws, in terms of God’s universal supremacy and sovereign authority over man. This duty should be rendered to him out of love and gratitude.
The scriptures are the holy oracles from which we must learn our duties (Psa_19:11). The Bible is the light that we must take heed of so that we can understand how to navigate our course and order the various steps of our lives. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psa_119:105).
Therefore, we can infer that there can be no sufficient knowledge of obedience or proper obedience without the knowledge of the scriptures. “Whoever says ‘I know him’ but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
This statement from 1 John 2:4 reinforces the idea that true knowledge of obedience is only possible through following the commandments set forth in scripture.
The Power of Application: Moving Beyond Knowledge to True Obedience
It is important to note that simply having knowledge of scripture does not necessarily equate to obedience. One can have an extensive understanding of the Bible, yet still choose not to follow its teachings. It is the application of scripture to one’s life that leads to true obedience.
Obedience to scripture requires a willingness to submit to its authority and to make difficult choices that may go against one’s own desires or societal norms. It is a continual process of self-reflection, humility, and surrender to God’s will.
Moreover, true obedience to scripture is not just limited to following specific commands or rules, but it encompasses a holistic approach to living a righteous and loving life. This includes treating others with respect and kindness, being a good steward of resources, and living a life of integrity and honesty.
In essence, knowledge of scripture is essential for understanding God’s will, but it is the application of that knowledge that leads to true obedience and a fulfilling life in accordance with God’s plan.
Furthermore, obedience to scripture should not be viewed as a burden or a set of rules to follow simply for the sake of obedience. Rather, it should be seen as a way to deepen one’s relationship with God and to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while knowledge of scripture is necessary for proper obedience, it is not the only factor. True obedience requires the application of scripture to one’s life and a willingness to follow God’s commands out of love for Him.
Indeed, knowledge of scripture is essential for understanding God’s will and knowing how to live a righteous life.
However, simply possessing knowledge of scripture does not necessarily translate into obedience. One must take the next step of actually applying that knowledge to their daily lives.
This means seeking to understand the context and meaning of the scriptures, and then actively seeking to align one’s thoughts and actions with God’s commands. It also involves a willingness to acknowledge and address areas of one’s life that may be in conflict with God’s will.
