Lesson 2. Faith in God. The “Elementary Teachings of Christ” school is based on Hebrews chapter 6. These are seven foundational teachings in which the early Christian church saw the foundation of the Christian faith.
Heb. 6:1 Therefore, leaving the elementary teachings about Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and faith [pistis] in God
Let me immediately answer a common question: “Why study the elementary teachings if it is written to leave them and not lay the foundation again?”
That is right. No one builds a second foundation on top of the first. However, building without any foundation at all is pointless, because the structure will collapse.
Therefore, every Christian must have this foundation of the elementary teachings about Christ laid in place. Then they must build on it, pressing on to maturity.
This school should be the first and foundational one for every new believer or anyone who has lacked such a foundation.
This school does not need to be taken again, since the foundation has already been laid.
1. What does faith in God include?
The word “faith” is the Greek [pistis]—trust, conviction, faithfulness, confession of faith, assurance, entrustment.
All these meanings are components of “faith in God.”
If someone says they believe in God, that is already good, but it is not yet an indication that the person is in a right standing before God. Demons also believe in God and tremble. So what?
James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
Faith in God is not only confidence that God exists, but also trusting Him in everything and at all times.
It is obedience to His Word and doing His will, as well as faithfulness to the end.
All of this is contained in the Greek word [pistis], and this way of life should characterize everyone who has believed in God with all their heart.
2. How do people come to faith in God?
Some people believed in God because He appeared to them or spoke to them. This points to predestination. Examples include Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Samuel, Solomon, and others.
The Bible contains many examples of people being predestined for a special mission. This happened not only in ancient times and during the founding of the Church, but—and this is important!—it continues today.
Acts 10:40–41 God raised Him up on the third day and allowed Him to be seen, not by all the people, but by witnesses chosen beforehand by God—by us, who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.
Thus, God predestined some people and revealed Himself to them; others believed in God because someone told them about Him. Examples include the people of Israel, the inhabitants of Nineveh, and others.
Others believed in God as a result of miracles that happened to them personally or before their eyes. Examples include the commander Naaman, who was cleansed of leprosy, and the king who saw Daniel alive among the lions.
Finally, some people believed in God because of circumstances. An example is King Nebuchadnezzar, who nearly lost his life because of his pride but then, after going through humbling circumstances, believed in God and gave Him glory.
Thus, faith in God is preceded either by predestination, the testimonies of others, miracles, or circumstances. All of these can be called the ways by which people come to God and gain faith.
3. How is faith in God manifested?
A person who believes in God differs from an unbeliever or atheist in their thoughts, words, and actions. There is no way to recognize a person’s faith until you hear what they say and see what they do.
James 2:26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
A true believer does not hide or conceal their faith in God but proves through words and deeds whom they love, whom they listen to, whom they trust, to whom they are faithful, and whose will they fulfill. And this is not a matter of choice; it is a requirement for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord.
Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of My Heavenly Father.
Thus, living faith in God always leads a person to a righteous, holy life. Such a person earnestly strives to fulfill the will of God.
1 John 2:17 And the world is passing away, and its lust; but the one who does the will of God abides forever.
Conclusions
We learned that faith in God includes all the meanings of the word [pistis]: confidence, trust, and faithfulness to God.
True faith leads to a change in a person’s beliefs, values, and aspirations and affects every area of their life.
At the same time, faith in God is not something temporary or superficial. A believer must remain faithful to God throughout their life.
During different seasons of life, amid trials and difficulties, a believer must remain faithful to God no matter what.
This is the portrait of a person who has living faith in God and demonstrates it.
End of lesson.
Source: The Bible, Hebrews, chapter 6
Teacher: Dmitriy Leo
