Monday, November 9, 2009

Faith vs. Acceptance


For faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the (rhema) word of God.
(Rom 10:17)


This scripture clearly says I can’t have true faith until I’ve heard God speak to me. “Rhema” is a Greek word meaning “utterance”, as opposed to the Greek word “logos”, which generally refers to a “written word”. The bible is the “logos”, or written word of God. But faith doesn’t come by hearing or reading the “logos” it comes only by hearing the “rhema” word of God.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
(Joh 10:27)


It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
(Joh 6:45)


The anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you don't need anyone to teach you. Instead, His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie; just as it has taught you, remain in Him.
(1Jn 2:27)


My “acceptance” of the truth of God’s word, no matter how strong, is simply not enough. Even when I add works to my acceptance it will not produce so much as a sprig of the promised fruit of the Spirit. And why not? Because God created me for intimacy, first with Him, then with others. It would be contrary to God’s own purpose to grant me my requests, no matter how well meaning they may be, when they are founded on acceptance of His truth rather than true intimacy with Him. This is why Jesus said…

…"For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. (Mat 17:20)

Whether my faith is born of a whisper from God (mustard seed) or a shout is not the issue. The issue is, did I hear from Him at all, because if I did, and I act on what I heard, The Lord says nothing will be impossible for me. But by the same token, if I didn’t hear God and act instead on what is written or what I accept or believe to be true, I should expect nothing from the Lord, which is exactly what I will receive, for His purpose trumps everything else, and His purpose has been and always will be -- intimacy.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Rom 1:17)

For without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him. (Heb 11:6)

No comments:

Post a Comment