FAQ - FAITH
In `Matt. 17:20`, Jesus said to his
disciples "if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this
mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be
impossible unto you." Could one have faith to remove a literal mountain? (A.C.D.)
<ANSWER>--The question would seem to be a preposterous one, but when we
reflect upon the meaning of the word faith; that it is not imagination or blind credulity,
but, as defined by the Apostle, "Faith is a basis of things hoped for; a conviction
of things unseen." (`Heb. 11:1`.) We can see that our Lord's teaching here is in
agreement with what he taught on another occasion (`John 15:7`) where he set forth that
the request must be in harmony with the Divine will. But since there is no basis of
evidence for faith that the will of God is to remove literal mountains in answer to any
idle or self-willed, or ignorant commands of men to do so, a genuine faith in his
willingness to do it now is an impossibility. But regarding the mountain as a symbol of
difficulty and obstruction in our individual Christian course, or in the course of God's
work, we know that "Miracles" are wrought for those who exercise faith; and they
going forward in the strength of the Lord, are permitted to overcome difficulties and to
work righteousness otherwise impossible.
How can I get faith when I don't have it naturally?
<ANSWER>--Faith may be cultivated as any other mental quality, and is
increased in proportion to knowledge and reliance upon that knowledge. To have faith in
God we must learn His character, plans, and purposes. This we acquire by a study of His
word and relying upon the promises and truths therein stated. False doctrines have made
God's character appear hideous. "Fear (dread) of him is taught by the precepts of
men." A true knowledge of his character and plan greatly increase our faith in and
love for him. Faith is scripturally defined as "the understanding of things hoped
far, the proof of things unseen." Man hopes for eternal life in happiness. A basis
for that hope is found in the word of God. A doubter may become a most earnest and
tenacious believer upon receiving proper evidence. "Life is the gift of God through
Jesus Christ." (`Rom. 6:23`.) His word is the only evidence pointing out clearly the
way of obtaining that gift. To increase our faith we must, therefore, study God's word in
a humble and prayerful manner, with the desire to know and do His will, and to rely upon
His word. One who knows the letter of His word and fails to rely upon it has little faith.
Another both knows the word and relies upon it and strong faith results. This is
illustrated by the following incident; A man doubting the strength of the ice to bear his
weight crawled across the river an his hands and knees, and just as he reached the
opposite shore he was overtaken by a man, who had confidence in the strength of the ice,
gaily driving a team of horses hitched to a sled loaded with pig iron.
`Luke 18:8`, "Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh shall He find faith
on the earth?" Is it the mountain-moving faith that will be lacking? Please explain.
(A.C.D.)
<ANSWER>--A word for word rendering from the oldest Greek manuscripts of
the quotation given above is as follows: "But the Son of Man coming, indeed, will He
find the faith on the earth?" The "faith" in the text would have the
meaning of system of belief or doctrines, as expressed in the Bible statement, "The
faith once delivered to the saints." The Master's words imply that the existence of
the true faith at the time of His second coming would be somewhat doubtful. The Lord's
words are remarkably fulfilled in the conditions of the present day. We see that, owing to
the hundreds of conflicting creeds and doctrinal systems; the many "isms," and
the strong delusions and multiplied errors; so that if it were possible the very elect
would be deceived; not many are holding to the true faith--only the "very
elect." (`Matt. 24:24`.) The object of the Lord's return is to put aside all of the
evil and the error, and to fill the whole earth with the true faith and knowledge of God
and thus to bring about the blessing of all mankind.--`Habakkuk 2:14`.