The Active Principle of Faith and Spiritual Growth

Faith is a living, active principle that involves an intelligent knowledge of truth, a firm trust in God's word, and a daily practice of holiness that works by love to purify the soul Galatians 5:621MR 166.1+2. It is the spiritual foundation upon which the entire Christian life is built and the means by which we receive the righteousness of ChristGCB/GCDB 1893, page 494.4+2.

The Nature and Source of Faith

Faith is not a matter of feeling or a sudden emotion; rather, it is established by studying and believing the Word of God Romans 10:17GCB/GCDB 1893, page 494.4+1.

• A Gift from God: While we must exercise it, faith is a gift that grows as we feed upon the rich promises of the Bible19MR 292.2+2.

• Childlike Simplicity: To truly understand the Scriptures and receive the Holy Spirit, we must possess the simplicity and humility of a little childTM 480.3+2.

• Creative Power: The same breath of God that created the heavens gives power to the precepts and promises found in His Word Psalm 33:6PTUK October 20, 1892, page 325.6.

How Faith Operates in the Life

True faith is always manifested through outward actions and a transformation of character James 2:22RH October 21, 1890, par. 8+1.

• Works and Obedience: Faith and works are inseparable; the faith of Jesus is revealed by keeping the commandments of God James 2:22GNT 239.1+1.

• Abiding in Christ: When Christ abides in the heart by faith, the individual will be circumspect, reliable, and free from frivolous conduct Ephesians 3:17PH149 11.3+1.

• Personal Responsibility: Every person must have a living experience of their own, seeking God individually rather than depending on the experience of othersEv 354.2+1.

• Establishing the Law: Instead of making the law void, faith establishes it in the heart because it brings in the presence of Christ, who perfectly obeyed the law Romans 3:31SITI May 1, 1893, page 388.10.

Faith in Times of Trial

Trial and opposition serve to prove and perfect the faith of the believer 1 Peter 1:7RH July 19, 1892, par. 10+1.

• Victory Over Self: Through the grace of Christ and untiring effort, faith allows us to deny and conquer selfMYP 118.2+1.

• Courage Under Discouragement: Those with genuine faith will persevere under privations, looking to the cross of Calvary as their source of strengthGW 82.1+1.

• Deliverance: In the final conflict and the time of trouble, those who have held fast their integrity will be delivered and filled with wonder and love Psalm 46:1-3IC 30.4+1.

Warnings Regarding Unbelief

A lack of faith separates the soul from God and leads to spiritual darknessCS 150.3+1.

• The Danger of Wealth: Riches often cause people to lose faith in God’s promises and put their trust in worldly treasure 1 Timothy 6:10CS 150.3+1.

• Science and Reason: When human ideas of science or "blind" reasoning are placed above the Bible, faith is weakened and foundations are removed 1 Timothy 6:20ST March 13, 1884, par. 4+1.

• Unfaithful Stewardship: Those who are unfaithful in the minor duties of life or who follow men blindly risk being overcome by the deceptions of Satan2BC 1016.2+1.

It is our privilege to talk faith, hope, and courage, knowing that God is able to keep us from falling and will work wonders for us if we cooperate with Him in faithCH 172.3+2. 🌟