Without Faith It Is Impossible To Please God

“Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, when he was warned about things not yet seen, with reverent regard constructed an ark for the deliverance of his family. Through faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Hebrews 11:6-7 NET

Faith is a divine gift from God, imparted to His people. It is not something we can manufacture through our own efforts; if it were, salvation would depend solely on our works. The concept of "salvation by works" suggests that one can earn their way into heaven through good deeds, but this belief is fundamentally flawed. God is pleased only by the good that He works within us, not by our attempts to gain His favor through mere human effort.

A telling example of this is the story of Cain and Abel. Abel was a shepherd who offered God a sacrifice from what he obtained through his flocks, and it is said that this pleased God. In contrast, Cain was a farmer who offered a sacrifice based on the crops he labored to produce, and this did not please God. The story does not suggest that one profession is superior to another; rather, it emphasizes the importance of offering back to God from the blessings He provides, such as the increase of a sheepfold.

Moreover, in Genesis, we learn that God cursed the ground because of Adam and Eve’s sin, condemning us to toil and sweat to produce vegetation. This struggle is not a blessing from God; it is a consequence of our own labor. Thus, true fulfillment comes from recognizing and responding to the divine blessings in our lives rather than relying solely on our efforts to secure God's approval.

Faith is the complete trust in God’s blessings within His created world. Even when we cannot visibly see these blessings, we believe that God will fulfill His promises and graciously provide for us as we place our hope and trust in Him. Faith also involves obedience, which is not only a vital aspect of our commitment but also a responsibility we must uphold. It requires us to hear the word of God and act upon it, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to His word and His desires.

The story of King Saul serves as a powerful illustration of this principle. Chosen by the tribes of Israel and anointed by the prophet Samuel, Saul was initially celebrated for his stature, strength, and humble beginnings as a shepherd who trusted in God. However, over time, his character flaws emerged. Despite receiving explicit instructions from the Lord through Samuel, Saul chose to disregard them, which ultimately led God to reject him as king. This serves as a stark reminder that we are all susceptible to human weaknesses, and even our best intentions cannot replace obedience. Let us humbly learn from Saul's mistakes and be open to God's word in all things.

Saul’s tragic downfall is a poignant warning to Israel and to all of us, highlighting the severe consequences of disobedience. His story is not just a cautionary tale but a stark reminder of the potential outcomes of straying from God's design. Regrettably, the Israelites ignored the lessons from Saul’s fate, missing the opportunity for growth and redemption. Let us not make the same mistake. Instead, may we focus on obeying God's word and walking faithfully in His ways.

The text above powerfully highlights Noah's unwavering faith and his extraordinary capacity to receive God's prophetic message about the future. Despite having no tangible evidence of the coming events, Noah wholeheartedly embraced the divine call and took decisive action. He dedicated himself to constructing an immense ark using cypress trees and natural bitumen that seeped from the earth. Biblical scholars suggest that this monumental task consumed between 55 to 75 years of his life.

While most individuals would have succumbed to doubt and walked away from such an overwhelming project, Noah stood resolute. He faced ridicule and contempt from society, yet he boldly condemned the rampant sinfulness of his generation, as well as the watchers whose union with human women birthed the Nephilim, hybrid beings corrupting God's creation. To Noah, building the ark was not merely an act of faith; it was a vital lifeline for himself and his family in the face of impending destruction foretold by God.

Noah's journey was profoundly isolating, marked by years of faith without immediate rewards. Yet, he remained steadfast, continuing to trust in God and His promises despite the surrounding doubt and despair. His authenticity and commitment serve as a powerful testament to the strength of belief and the courage it takes to follow God's word, regardless of the challenges encountered along the way.

I find great significance in the statement that Noah became an heir of the righteousness that comes through faith. This profound truth reminds us that righteousness is not something we can earn; it is a priceless gift from God. Faith is the courage to trust what lies beyond our sight and grasp—it cannot be bought or earned but is freely given when we place our confidence in the unwavering faithfulness of God.

Righteousness is not just a concept; it represents a genuine relationship with God, and it is only found in Jesus Christ. He is our Savior and the essential pathway to experiencing the fullness of life with God. When we fully embrace God’s extraordinary gift—the sacrifice of Jesus—we undergo a profound transformation. This change awakens us to a vibrant spiritual existence, revealing a reality far greater than ourselves. In this remarkable exchange, Jesus becomes our righteousness, becoming the bridge that confirms our right standing with God.

Stephen Barnett