On Faith

Faith, or Emunah (faithfulness, steadfast trust), being the first principle in revealed religion, and the foundation of all righteousness, it becomes necessary that it should be understood by all who seek after life and salvation, that they may exercise it upon correct principles and obtain the blessings which God has promised to the faithful.

In order to understand the subject of faith, it is necessary to observe that it is not merely an assent of the mind that God exists, but that it is the moving cause of all action in intelligent beings, and is, therefore, the principle by which all things are accomplished.

That faith, or Emunah, is the principle of action in all intelligent beings is evident from this consideration: that no being acts except he first believes; for without faith there could be no exertion, and without exertion there could be no action.

It is by this same principle that God operates; for all things were created by His word, or davar (spoken word, command), according to that which is written: “By the word of Yahovah were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.” (Psalm 33:6)

And again: “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” (Hebrews 11:3) From these testimonies it is evident that faith is not only the principle of action, but also the principle of power, by which all things are brought to pass.

It may here be observed that in the works of God there is a perfect order: He speaks, and it is done; His word (davar) goes forth, and His will is established; His Spirit, or ruach (breath, spirit), moves, and that which He has spoken is brought to pass.

This same principle extends to man; for man, being created in the image of God, is capable of acting by faith, or emunah, and thereby, according to his obedience, becoming a partaker in the blessings which God has appointed for those who believe Him.

In order for any rational and intelligent being to exercise faith in God unto life and salvation, it is necessary that he should have a correct understanding of the character, attributes, and perfections of God; for without this knowledge, faith cannot center in Him unto life.

First, it is necessary for him to have the idea that God actually exists; for without this it would be impossible for any being to exercise faith in Him.

Second, it is necessary that he should have a correct understanding of His character, attributes, and perfections; for unless he knows that God is unchangeable, just, merciful, and true, he cannot repose confidence in Him.

Concerning this, the scriptures declare: “I am Yahovah, I change not.” (Malachi 3:6) and again: “God is not a man, that He should lie.” (Numbers 23:19) and again: “Yahovah, Yahovah God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” (Exodus 34:6)

This same character is made manifest in the life and teachings of Yeshua the Messiah, who walked in perfect emunah (faithfulness) and obedience to God, and declared not His own will, but the will of Him that sent Him, saying: “I do always those things that please Him.” (John 8:29)

And again: “The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself.” (John 14:10) from which it is evident that he did not act independently, but as a faithful servant, making known the will of God in all things.

Third, it is necessary that he should have an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to the will of God; for without this knowledge he cannot have confidence before Him.

Concerning this, the Apostle declares: “If our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” (1 John 3:21)

And again: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) from which it is evident that obedience to the commandments, or mitzvot (commandments), of God is essential to the exercise of faith unto life and salvation.

This obedience has been required from the beginning, being made known through the instruction of God, or Torah (instruction, law), through the Prophets, and through the example of those who have walked faithfully before Him.

Concerning the work of God within man, it is written: “I will put my Spirit (ruach) within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:27) from which it is evident that the Spirit of God does not lead away from His commandments, but establishes them in the life of the believer.

And again: “I will put my law (Torah) in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts.” (Jeremiah 31:33) showing that the purpose of God is not to abolish His instruction, but to establish it more perfectly within His people.

From these testimonies it is evident that God is consistent in all His works, and that there is no contradiction in His word from the beginning.

Therefore, faith, or emunah, is founded upon the knowledge that God is the same in all generations, that His commandments (mitzvot) are true, and that His purposes do not fail.

Where these things are known and understood, faith becomes firm and unshaken, producing obedience, righteousness, and the blessings which God has promised.

Examples of this principle are found throughout the scriptures: for by faith Abraham obeyed God and was accounted righteous (Genesis 15:6; Hebrews 11:8); by faith Israel passed through the sea (Exodus 14); and by faith the apostles acted in the name of the Messiah and were strengthened.

In all these cases, faith was not separate from obedience, but was the cause of it; for faith always produces action, and action in accordance with the will of God brings about the fulfillment of His promises.

It is, therefore, by faith that the faithful in all ages have obtained the promises of God; and without it no man can please Him, nor receive the blessings which He has prepared for them that love Him.