International Bible Teaching Ministries
An Example of Great Faith
“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.” (Hebrews 11:5). “And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” (Genesis 5:24). Notice, Enoch pleased God; he walked with God; by faith, Enoch lived in obedience to God’s Word – he did what God commanded him to do; he obeyed God! He did not listen to the false teachers of his day. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6).
From these inspired scriptures, it is clearly seen that God only rewards those who obey Him “for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6). One must believe that God “is” and that God is the “rewarder”. Who does God reward? Does God reward everyone? No! Only those who seek after Him, those striving “diligently” to know His will and do His will. “… he who does the will of My Father in Heaven” (Matthew 7:21) will be saved.
Faith in God is absolutely mandatory as the above scriptures teach, however, “faith only” will not save. Note the examples of being justified, but not by faith only. (James 2:20-26). Dear Reader, study, “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). The Lord will add the saved to His church. (Acts 2:47).
The Only Source to Obtain Faith
We have studied the absolute importance of faith in God and His inspired Word in order to be saved eternally. (Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24; Mark 16:15-16). And the only source from which one can get or acquire faith is the Word of God, the Bible. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17).
There have been, and are, those who teach false doctrines and deceive good, honest people, trying to destroy their faith in God and His Word, which will result in the destruction of souls eternally. A Bible example: “But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:16-18). Some today teach false doctrine and deny God’s holy and inspired Word concerning God’s creation of the universe, the creation of man, and other things God created. (Genesis 1-2). God’s creation as recorded in the Bible is true – the inspired infallible Word of God (bible 2 Timothy 3:16-17]). “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, and having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19).
Who is saved? Only those who have faith in God and obey His will. (Hebrews 11:6; Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 7:21). The apostle Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timohy 4:7-8).