What kind of faith do you have? Many Christians today have blind faith. In other words, they identify as Christians without reasons to believe. They may identify as a Christian because it’s the faith of their family. They attend church. They thought it sounded like the best option on their Facebook profile. But is a blind faith necessary or even desirable?
The Bible does teach that faith is resting on the promises of God. Consider Hebrews 11:1-6: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
"By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Here in Hebrews 11, the writer uses a key word to describe biblical faith: assurance. Biblical faith isn’t blind. Biblical faith isn't “wishing upon a star.” Biblical faith is based on reason and guarantee.
This is why Peter would say, “Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Christians are to provide an answer, in other words, reasons or evidence, for the hope we have.
Reflect: Read Jude 3-4. Why is it important for us to contend for the faith? What does our contending for the faith have to do with giving an answer?
Respond: If you are a follower of Christ, what are your reasons for belief? If you aren’t sure yet, what questions would you want to be answered to help decide?
We look forward to your comments and questions below!If you want to share this Bible reading plan with friends and family, here is the link:
https://bttb.org/hard-questions