Articles
The Right Kind of Faith
“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” (Hebrews 11:7)
Noah had the right kind of faith, the kind that got results. He had the kind of faith that pleased God. When most of the world did not believe, Noah did!
His faith resulted in the saving of his house. He would not have been considered the greatest personal worker, but his strong faith led his family to also believe. This was remarkable in an extremely wicked world. Thus, eight precious souls were spared from the terrible flood. By his faith he also condemned the world. His righteous conduct and love for God judged all of those who rejected the Lord. By faith he became an heir of righteousness meaning that through faith he was forgiven of sin and gained fellowship with God. Thus, Noah saved himself and his family. What were some features of such a faith?
First, Noah’s faith was intellectual. It was not a blind leap in the dark, as some would have us to believe. God warned him of the flood. Noah considered the evidence, and though he has never seen a flood, he still believes!
Second, Noah’s faith was emotional. He “moved with godly fear.” An acceptance of God’s justice will lead to such fear and an acceptance of his mercy will result in praise! “And when I think that God his Son not sparing sent to die, I scarce can take it in; that on the cross my burdens gladly bearing, he bled and died to take away my sin, then sings my soul, my savior God to thee, how great thou art, how great thou art!”
Third, his faith was active. He prepared an ark to the saving of his household. “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did” (Genesis 6:22). Such a faith is the kind that God accepts, and will result in God’s forgiveness (James 2:14-26).
What kind of faith do I have? Is it dead? Or, is it alive and actively trusting God and obeying him to the redemption of your soul?
