The simplest definition of biblical faith is “Taking God at His word.” In his commentary on Hebrews 11, Warren Wiersbe says, “Faith operates quite simply. God speaks and we hear His Word. We trust His Word and act on it no matter what the circumstances may be” (317).
The Bible is filled with the promises God has made to His people and the proof that He keeps His word. If the Scriptures were not read, people would lack faith because they would neither know the character of God nor the promises He made to His people. A.W. Pink asserts, “Faith without a promise would be a foot without ground to stand upon” (98).
THE SCRIPTURES AND THE PROMISES
1) We know we have profited from the Word when we recognize who the promises are for.
The promises God has made in Christ are reserved for His people. Paul asserts, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him (Christ). That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory” (1 Cor. 1:20). Pink says, “There can be no intercourse between…God and sinful creatures except through a Mediator who has satisfied (God) on their behalf…A man out of Christ is out of the favor of God, yea, he is under His wrath” (92-93).
2) We know we have profited from the Word when we understand and meditate on the promises of God.
Although those who are trusting in Christ for their salvation have already become recipients of all God’s wonderful blessings, they must grow in their understanding of His promises and meditate upon them so that they can benefit from them. According to Pink, “It is only as the promises are stored up in our minds that the Spirit brings them to remembrance at those seasons of fainting when we most need them” (94).
3) We know we have profited from the Word when we recognize the scope of God’s promises.
Pink states, “The promises of God cover every aspect and particular of your daily life” (95). Paul affirms, “Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).
4) We know we have profited from the Word when we make a proper discrimination between the promises of God.
Pink accuses many of “spiritual theft” meaning they claim certain promises that they are not entitled to. God’s promises carry with them certain conditions. For example, in Luke 13:3 Jesus says, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” According to this verse, even if one is confident in his/her eternal destiny, without repentance one faces condemnation. Pink asserts, “If I ignore the laws of health I must not be surprised that sickness prevents me enjoying many of God’s temporal mercies: in like manner, if I neglect His precepts I have myself to blame if I fail to receive the fulfillment of many of His promises” (97).
5) We know we have profited from the Word when God’s promises comfort us and develop our faith.
According to Pink, “Our tender Father planned that we should enjoy His gifts twice over: first by faith, and then by fruition. By this means He wisely weans our hearts away from things seen and perishing and draws them onward and upward to those things which are spiritual and eternal” (98).
6) We know we have profited from the Word when we patiently wait for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
God’s perspective on time is radically different from ours. For us, having to wait an hour is too long, but for Him who is sovereign over time, a thousand years is comparable to a day. Peter explains, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (2 Pt. 3:8). One thing we can know for sure is that patience greatly benefits God’s people. Pink affirms, “He who has all eternity at His disposal needs not to hurry. God often makes us tarry so that patience may have ‘her perfect work’” (99).
Pink, A.W. Profiting from the Word. Carlisle, Pennsylvania: The Banner of Truth Trust. 1977. 91-101.
