Last week we have already considered the definition of faith given in Hebrews 11:1.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
The writer goes on to describe the part played by faith in man’s approach to God.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him [God], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6)
Notice the two phrases: “without faith it is impossible to please God,” and “he who comes to God must believe.” We see from these that faith is the indispensable condition for approaching God and for pleasing God.
The negative aspect of this truth is that “whatever is not from faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23). This means that anything a person may do at any time, if it is not based on faith, is reckoned by God as sinful. This applies even to religious activities, such as church attendance, praying, singing hymns or performing deeds of charity. If these acts are not done in sincere faith toward God, then they are in no way acceptable to Him.
Unless such acts have been preceded by true repentance and unless they are motivated by true faith, they are nothing but “dead works,” totally unacceptable to God.
Lord, help me to never go into this kind of "dead works"! Please help me to do works that communicate your life. And I will automatically do that if I let myself be led by Your Spirit who is life ... so my question, from the bottom of my heart is: fill me with Your Spirit Lord, that I may do Your works. Amen.
