What Is Faith? (Crucial Questions)

“Faith” is a term loosely thrown around by everyone, yet there is much confusion as to what the concept really means. This bewilderment is a major problem because faith is one of the core principles upon which Christianity is built, and it plays a central role in the lives of Christians.In What is Faith? R. C. Sproul answers this confusion by giving readers a sound Biblical education on faith, based primarily on Hebrews 11:1.Using this verse as a foundation, he expands on the notion that faith is never subjective and “blind” but objective and based upon genuine historical facts and tangible divine promises. Faith thus becomes the result of embracing reason and studying empirical support as opposed to rejecting them.This booklet emphasizes the fact that faith means believing God (not believing in Him), His promises, and has quantifiable results in the life of all believers. Faith is also a gift of grace and is not derived from the corruptible self. Sproul illustrates these ideas by providing numerous Biblical examples, demonstrating what faith looks like in practical terms. Another added bonus of this book is that the author often takes small detours into philosophy, apologetics, and commentary on the state of Christianity to reveal how a misunderstanding of faith can result in an altered perception of what the gospel of Christ is really about.What is Faith? is the 8th installment in a 17-part series about the core doctrines of the Christian faith. Being less than 100 pages and easy to read, you will likely be able to get through this book in one quick sitting. Without a doubt, this is easily accessible to all people and provides a strong Biblical foundation to help anyone clarify the concept of faith. Certainly, it would be hard to find anything not worthwhile and written by R. C. Sproul. After reading through these pages, you will gain clarity as to whether the faith you proclaim is in fact the genuine article.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)Faith. What is it? How does it work? What is its place in the life of the Christian? Who grants us faith? These are all questions that typically are asked about this all important subject. Dr. R. C. Sproul, in book 8 of the Crucial Questions series titled What is Faith, tackles this very topic exploring how faith and hope, two related but different topics, should be defined, biblical examples from Hebrews 11 in regards to what faith looks like in the life of the believer, the reality that faith is a gift from God, as well as noting the importance of faith being rooted in one's devotion to the word of God.Sproul begins his book with an in-depth discussion of what faith and hope are noting the stark difference between the common understandings of the way hope is defined compared to the biblical perspective. He states biblical hope is a "desire for a future outcome that is absolutely certain." So unlike hoping you will one day win the lottery or grow up to be a movie star, biblical hope is firmly placed in a sovereign God who keeps His covenant promises. In the same vein, Sproul addresses the reality that biblical faith is not "some irrational leap into darkness", rather it is founded as well in the tangible security one can have in knowing God will bring about that which He has stated will take place in His word. Using Abraham as an example, Sproul adroitly notes that just as Abraham believed God and then set forth from his homeland looking forward to a future heavenly country, we too just understand the difference between believing in God and believing God. One is evidence of childish faith while the other is childlike faith, knowing our Father in heaven will be faithful to complete all He has said He will do.I thoroughly enjoyed Sproul's walk through the annals of the heroes of faith found in Hebrews 11. The author of Hebrews provides a number of valuable examples of what faith actually looks like in the life of the believer. From Abel providing a better sacrifice to arguably the clearest demonstration of faith this side of the cross demonstrated by Abraham being willing to offer his son Isaac as God commanded, we are able to see that no matter what situation life brings our way, we can place our full faith and confidence in God and His word. Sproul rightly mentions that faith is "the means by which we live in response to the commands of God." Since we can have confidence and hope that God's commands will bring about that which He said they will do, there is no reason but for us to place our full faith in God thus being the obedient and faithful bride He expects.Sproul also tackles the often misunderstood aspect of faith, namely the fact it is a gift from God. Man of his own accord and in keeping with his proclivity to follow his sinful nature, would not naturally place his faith in God. This is why church creeds such as the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) place such emphasis on how faith works in salvation, something Sproul goes in to great detail discussing. Sproul provides the Reformed theological ordo salutis or order of salvation as necessitating faith coming before justification. Since faith is a gift from God following regeneration, both being from God, faith must be understood as a gift from God and not something inherent in our natural state. Sproul also addresses in detail the related doctrine of election stating the Apostle Paul in the oft debated passage of Ephesians 2:4-8, in keeping with the grammatical structure of the Greek language, is clearly noting "we are saved by grace through faith, and that this faith through which we are saved is not of ourselves but is the gift of God." Thus, it is only through God's divine mercy to the elect that He offers to the elect the gift of grace, faith, regeneration, and salvation. This was a rather heavy theological section but well worth the time and effort wading through what Sproul has to say.Finally, Sproul addresses the importance of faith's connection to the Word of God. A believer will only experience their faith growing by being rooted and grounded constantly in the promises of God's word. Sproul saliently states "faith is a gift from God, engendered by the Holy Spirit, and the ordinary way in which it is given is through the Word." So this means for the believer they must be committed to regular Bible study, fellowship with fellow believers, and to be involved in a bible believing and bible teaching church. This is also an important reminder to pastors to be ever committed to faithfully teaching the truth of Scripture at all times. Sproul ends his book with a very appropriate and timely statement, "When you struggle with your faith, when you face the dark night of the soul, when you are not sure of where you stand with the things of God, flee to the Scriptures. It is from those pages that God the Holy Spirit will speak to you, minister to your soul, and strengthen the faith that He gave to you in the first place."Anyone desiring to have a more in-depth understanding of what is, how it works, and what it looks like in your life as a believer will find this book to be a valuable resource. Sproul presents timeless truths that focus faith on God, the One who so graciously gives us this wonderful gift of faith. Only by continuing to focus on the things of God and His Word, will we be able to see our faith grow in turn glorifying God with our lives.I received this book for free for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Well, it was free, so one star. Didn't help one bit in explaining the difference between faith and credulity. Basically quoted the bible and there you go. Everything predicated on that. Unconvincing, except to the convinced.

Good read a must download

Love it. RC Sproul is a great theologian who brings a clear, understandable and relevant theology from a reformed view point. Great introductory book. Great reading.

As the title suggests Mr. Sproul takes you through the Theology and as usual he does so in his way that makes it so easy to comprehend even for the non-theologian ... Highly recommended

Great product well pleased