Mortality and Divinity: Faith

Embark on a journey through “Mortality and Divinity,” where each step uncovers the transformative power of Christian Virtues, beyond mere ideals, into the essence of a life shaped by Jesus’ love and grace. Delve into faith, hope, love, and more as we explore living as accurate reflections of God’s image. These virtues are concepts and invitations to deepen our relationship with our Creator and those around us. Together, let’s discover how these virtues weave into the fabric of our lives, guiding us to shape our communities and the world with the love of Christ.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

(2 Peter 1:3–11, ESV)

Genuine faith stands out with its unique call to embody virtues that reflect divine nature as described by the apostle Peter; the Christian life is akin to a tapestry woven with various virtues, each thread crucial to the integrity and beauty of the whole. This tapestry includes love, as detailed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, and the fruit of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. These virtues are not just lofty ideals but tangible attributes Christians are called to develop, reflecting God’s nature.

Unlike a linear process where one virtue follows another, building a Christian character is more like constructing a building where faith lays the foundation. This foundation supports and gives meaning to all other virtues. Scripture is replete with the necessity of faith—without it, it’s impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), and it’s through faith that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Faith is often misunderstood as a leap in the dark or a blind commitment to the unknown. However, in the Christian context, faith (pistis) is a conviction rooted in truth and evidence, a trust in God’s promises, and a commitment to act upon that trust. It’s a dynamic interplay between believing in God’s existence, trusting Christ for salvation, and obeying His commands.

What sets the Christian faith apart is not just the act of believing but the object of that belief. Faith directed towards anything other than the God revealed in the Bible is misplaced. True saving faith is anchored in the belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the savior of humanity.

Faith is not innate; it grows from hearing and understanding the word of God (Romans 10:17). Engaging with the Scriptures teaches us of God’s will and His promises, allowing our faith to be shaped and strengthened by divine revelation.

Jesus Himself remarked on “little faith,” characterized by doubt and fear, and “great faith,” noted for recognizing Christ’s authority and persistence. Moreover, James warns against “dead faith,” which lacks obedience, highlighting that genuine saving faith must be accompanied by action.

The invitation to the Christian faith is an invitation to lay a solid foundation upon which all virtues can be built. It’s a call to move beyond mere belief to a faith that transforms, guides, and sustains through every challenge and triumph. As we reflect on our journey, let’s ponder: Do we have the faith that underpins a life of virtue, or are we still searching for that cornerstone?

In essence, the Christian faith is not just a set of beliefs but a transformative journey that begins with a single, crucial step: faith. This faith then becomes the foundation upon which we build a life that reflects the divine, marked by a tapestry of virtues that guide us closer to the heart of God.

‌‌~PW 🌮🛶