Faith that Pleases God
False religious systems always teach that faith plus a person’s works result in salvation. This is false, because our good works are filthy rags before God (Isa. 64:6). Therefore, we can’t do anything to please God by our good works. Believers are justified, or declared righteous before God, solely by faith (Rom 3:28). Jesus Christ is the only One who deserves credit for doing the work of salvation (Gal 2:21). Christians are saved by God’s grace through faith alone (Eph 2:8-9). Works, on the other hand, are the evidence of genuine salvation. Good works demonstrate the truth of one’s faith. In other words, works are the obvious, visible results of being justified by faith. Authentic “saving faith” reveals itself by works.
As believers, how can we please God? His Word tells us that it is only by faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God.” Faith is trusting in God and His Word (v.I). There is no capacity in the individual to please God apart from confidence in God, apart from trust in God, apart from reliance upon God.
How can we please God? His Word tells us that it is only by faith.
HOW HAS FAITH AFFECTED THE PEOPLE OF GOD?
Faith caused Abel to worship God. Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings.” He picked the best of his flock to sacrifice to God (Gen 4:4). It was natural for Abel’s faith in God to manifest itself in a blood sacrifice, a sacrifice that pointed to the Messiah. Worship is giving God what He deserves. Abel’s faith was manifested by his “acceptable offering”.
Faith made Enoch walk with God. Hebrews 11:5 says, “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Enoch’s faith was manifested by his “amazing testimo-ny”.
Faith made Noah work for God. Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith Noah. when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family”. Noah’s faith was manifested by his “all-out obedience”.
