When it comes to our relationship with God and the salvation of our souls, there are very few things that are more important than faith.  Without it, we can have no favor with God.

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Since we cannot draw near to God without faith, it must be true that the more faith we have, the closer to God we will be.  We must believe that there is a God, but we must also believe in the goodness and grace of God.  The Hebrews writer tells us that we must believe that God rewards those who seek Him.  That shows our trust in God, and trust is an integral part of faith.  Thayer says that faith is “belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust.”  To have faith, then, is to believe in God, with an underlying sense of trust.

Having true faith in God and trusting God are two inseparable concepts.  We trust God because we believe in Him.  We believe in God’s power.  We believe in God’s character, that is, we believe in His love, longsuffering, goodness, and grace, so we trust Him explicitly.  This is what faith in God is all about—trusting Him in all aspects of our lives.  The question is, how do we get the faith that is essential to fellowship with God and the salvation of our souls?  The Bible tells us.  Paul wrote, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

This demonstrates the value of God’s Word.  Paul is not saying that the Word of God is the only source of faith.  Certainly, our personal experience of being so blessed by God increases our faith.  But, the Word of God is the primary source of our faith, and it should be the original source.  In other words, our faith should not come from what someone else has told us, not even those who love us, like our parents or spouses, etc.  Those sources can help us, but in the end, our trust in God and everything we believe about Him should be founded on His Word.  This is important.  Too many people have faith that is based on something other than a “thus saith the Lord.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses rely on the Watchtower organization for their beliefs.  For example, they believe that Jesus is Michael, the archangel.  However, the Bible never says that, or, for that matter, anything like it.  They learn that from the Watchtower Magazine and other Watchtower publications.  That source can never lead to true saving faith because the faith that pleases God comes from His inspired Word, not words that come from the minds of men.

What is true about Watchtower publications is also true about all denominational dogmas and manmade manuals.  If you want real faith that can help you draw near to God and save your soul, read and study the Bible.  That is where you will find God’s Word and it will help you grow in saving faith.

Why is Bible study and the faith it produces so important?  It is because the devil is real, and he is doing everything he can to destroy our souls.  Peter reminded us of how active the devil is when he wrote about him being on the prowl, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).  Because of the activity of Satan and the presence of sin in the world, life can be very challenging.  We all face trials and tribulations in life, but faith can help us overcome this world and gain victory over Satan and sin (1 John 5:4).  Faith, however, does not magically appear.  We must plant God’s Word in our hearts and let it dwell there (Colossians 3:16).

Let us not only appreciate the faith-building power of God’s Word, let us also take advantage of it by reading and studying it as much as we can.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.