Faith is a cornerstone of Christian belief and practice, and its relationship to pleasing God is both profound and foundational. To understand how faith relates to pleasing God, we must explore the biblical narrative, which consistently emphasizes faith as essential to a life that honors God. Indeed, the Bible teaches that without faith, it is impossible to please God, as faith is the means by which believers connect with the divine and align their lives with God's will.
The book of Hebrews provides a foundational understanding of the necessity of faith in pleasing God. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." This verse succinctly captures the essence of faith in the Christian life. Faith is not merely an intellectual assent to the existence of God but involves a trustful, active pursuit of a relationship with Him. It is through faith that believers acknowledge God's reality and His goodness, trusting that He is both present and active in their lives.
Faith, as described in the Bible, is a dynamic and living trust in God. It is exemplified through the lives of biblical figures such as Abraham, Moses, and David, who demonstrated their faith through obedience and reliance on God's promises. Abraham, often called the father of faith, is a prime example. In Genesis 15:6, we read, "Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness." Abraham's faith was not a passive belief but an active trust that led him to leave his homeland and journey to an unknown land, trusting in God's promise. His faith was counted as righteousness because it was a living, obedient response to God's call.
The relationship between faith and pleasing God is further illustrated in the life of Moses. Hebrews 11:24-27 recounts how Moses, by faith, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing instead to suffer with the people of God. His faith led him to reject the fleeting pleasures of sin and to regard disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt. Moses' faith was pleasing to God because it demonstrated a willingness to prioritize God's purposes over personal gain, reflecting a deep trust in God's ultimate plan.
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself emphasizes the importance of faith in pleasing God. In the Gospels, we see numerous instances where Jesus commends individuals for their faith. For example, in Matthew 8:10, Jesus marvels at the faith of the Roman centurion, saying, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." This centurion's faith was pleasing to Jesus because it demonstrated a profound trust in His authority and power, even without physical evidence.
Furthermore, faith is intricately linked to the concept of grace in the New Testament. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Here, faith is presented as the means by which believers receive God's grace. It is not through human effort or merit that we please God, but through trusting in His grace and provision. This understanding of faith underscores its relational aspect; it is about relying on God's character and His promises rather than our own abilities.
The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the role of faith in the Christian life in his letters. In Romans 1:17, he writes, "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" This verse highlights that faith is not only the starting point of the Christian journey but also its sustaining force. Living by faith means continually trusting in God's righteousness and His transformative power in our lives. It is this ongoing faith that pleases God because it reflects a life oriented toward His purposes and reliant on His strength.
Faith also plays a crucial role in the believer's sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ. In Galatians 2:20, Paul declares, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." This verse illustrates how faith is central to the Christian identity and daily living. By faith, believers are united with Christ, and it is through faith that they experience His life-transforming presence. This ongoing faith journey is pleasing to God because it reflects a commitment to grow in holiness and love, mirroring the character of Jesus.
Moreover, faith is not a solitary endeavor but is lived out in community. The early church, as described in the book of Acts, exemplified a faith that was communal and active. Acts 2:42-47 depicts a community of believers who devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Their faith was evident in their generosity, hospitality, and worship, and it was pleasing to God because it demonstrated a collective commitment to living out the gospel. This communal aspect of faith underscores the idea that pleasing God involves not only personal trust but also active participation in the body of Christ.
In addition to the biblical narrative, Christian literature has long explored the theme of faith as pleasing to God. In his classic work "Mere Christianity," C.S. Lewis discusses the nature of faith, emphasizing that it involves both belief and action. Lewis argues that true faith is not merely about holding certain beliefs but is about trusting God enough to act on those beliefs. This perspective aligns with the biblical understanding that faith is demonstrated through obedience and action, which are pleasing to God.
Similarly, in "The Cost of Discipleship," Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes about the relationship between faith and obedience. He asserts that faith and obedience are inseparable, as true faith results in a life that reflects God's will. Bonhoeffer's insights highlight that pleasing God involves a faith that is active and transformative, leading to a life of discipleship and service.
In conclusion, faith is integral to pleasing God because it reflects a trustful, obedient relationship with Him. From the patriarchs of the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, the Bible consistently presents faith as the means by which believers connect with God and align their lives with His purposes. Faith is not a static belief but a dynamic, living trust that results in action and transformation. It is through faith that we receive God's grace, live by His righteousness, and participate in His redemptive work in the world. This faith journey, both personal and communal, is what pleases God and fulfills His desire for a people who reflect His love and holiness.
