THE ATTAINMENT OF FAITH

It is doubtful if there has ever been a more conclusive and comprehensive definition given of faith than that found in Hebrews 11:1: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The signification of this two-fold definition may be shown by a simple illustration. When we behold a beautiful picture, the information carried to the intellect through the eye, constitutes the evidence of the existence of that picture. Let any circumstance occur that prevents us from longer be holding that object, and we still believe in its existence the same as when we were looking at it, provided we suppose it stilt to be in existence. This evidence that remains with us pertaining to that picture, is faith. Being sensible that to gaze upon that picture will give us pleasure, we hope again to have that privilege. That which remains with us pertaining to that picture, and which came into our possession in consequence of the sight we had of it, is to us the substance of the picture; that is, in the absence of the picture, it takes the place of it. Thus faith is the “substance of things hoped for.” Not that it is the veritable substance, and all there is of it; but that it stands to us in the place of the reality-is all of the substance, or reality that we can possess in the absence of literal sight and actual possession. By means of this faith, or evidence, we may participate to a large degree in the same pleasurable emotions that we could if in actual possession of the object hoped for. This kind of faith may be called sensuous faith, and is the feeblest exercise and simplest form of that characteristic. It makes but a very slight demand upon credulity. In its exercise, we confide only in our own senses. But so far as it goes, and what there is of it, it is of the same character as faith of a higher and more complex type.MMM 410.17

It is manifest from the foregoing illustration, as well as from general observation, that information is the first pre requisite to faith There must first come to the individual, information from some source, and this information must be recognized by him, and admitted as valid evidence in the premises This statement is in accord with that of Paul in Romans 10:17: “Faith cometh by hearing.” That is, faith results from the reception and acceptance of information.MMM 410.18

In the development of faith, the first point to be decided is the source of information. This will decide the character of the faith that is to be developed. If we accept of our physical senses as the source of information, the result will be a sensuous faith. If the source of information be of a worldly character, the faith developed will correspond. In every instance, the character of the faith that is developed will correspond to the character of the source from which information is received.MMM 410.19

It follows from the foregoing, that if we are to develop faith pertaining to any matter not within the realm of what is commonly accepted as nature, we must receive information from a supernatural source. This agrees with the conclusion reached by Paul: “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Faith in matters supernatural is to be developed by information received from a supernatural source. Faith in God can be developed only by the reception of information from or pertaining to God. Man must accept of a source of information above himself, in order to obtain faith in anything greater than himself.MMM 410.20

The Scriptures are presented to us with the claim that they are of supernatural origin. They make this claim for themselves. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him.” These are samples of the many claims made by the Scriptures ragarding their source. It is not within the scope of this article to discuss the validity of these claims, but it is taken for granted that our readers accept them as genuine and valid.MMM 410.21

Thus we have settled upon the source of information in the development of supernatural faith. Now our faith is dependent upon the amount of information that is given to us from that source, and accepted by us as valid evidence. Something more is necessary than merely to hear or know the testimony of the Scriptures; that testimony must be fully and implicitly accepted as valid and reliable evidence, otherwise no faith can result. If we discredit any statement that is made, no faith can result pertaining to the matter upon which testimony is given. Thus we reach the conclusion that the amount and strength of our faith pertaining to supernatural matters that the Scriptures give testimony upon, are dependent upon ourselves,-not, however, exclusively,-for we have the promise that aid will be supplied to us through the medium of God’s Spirit and the Holy Ghost, where by we may understand the statements of Scripture. But before we can have such aid, we must have faith in the promise of it, also in the directions given for securing it. There are certain conditions to be fulfilled on our part, such as desire, humility, a correct motive, and asking, before we may reasonably expectMMM 410.22

The Review and Herald

Battle Creek, Mich. Nov. 13 1888MMM 411.1