Faith: How does a person get it

[All Glory To God]

I've found that this is literally true -- it works just as it says:

Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

As Christ explained (to us all!) in Mark chapter 4, the Word is the seed, that sprouts into faith.

Two points in regard to that scripture.

1) If you believe that a person must hear the gospel to be saved,what happens to unborn people that die in the womb?

2) I interpret Romans 10:18 to mean all people have heard Gods word by his creation so the gospel is not necessary in every single case of salvation,only the saving grace of God is. If you disagree with scripture interpretation,what is your counterargument?

 

[Jord Simcha]

Ok Jord if it wasn't the Bible verses and it wasn't the spirit regenerating you,I guess that leaves the flesh? The flesh with assistance from the holy spirit. Is that right?

No, it was the Spirit. I asked, and received, being regenerated upon reception.

How the Spirit already worked on/in me I don't know, I know I felt God's presence during my two weeks search for Him but more so from the outside, through my skin, for lack of a better way to describe it, than from the inside, which I felt after me asking God for the Spirit.

 

[All Glory To God]

I have understood faith means loyalty. And I want to be loyal to God, because He is good. How did I come to this? By reading the Bible.

Could you please use scripture so we can examine this from Gods authoritative word.

 

[Halbhh]

Two points in regard to that scripture.

1) If you believe that a person must hear the gospel to be saved,what happens to unborn people that die in the womb?

2) I interpret Romans 10:18 to mean all people have heard Gods word by his creation so the gospel is not necessary in every single case of salvation,only the saving grace of God is. If you disagree with scripture interpretation,what is your counterargument?

1) -- They and all innocents that die we can expect (from scripture) are under the Grace of God, and will see eternal Life!

For instance: Luke 18:16 But Jesus called the children to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

2) -- Regarding needing to hear the gospel for those old enough to be accountable for their wrongs (old enough to know they are doing wrongs) --

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared...
1 Peter 3 ESV

The Word is the seed, and we read here He has brought the Word to the spirits in prison! That's mercy and grace!

 

[ChristServant]

The Bible says unless a person believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and saviour they are separated from God.

How exactly does this faith in Christ come about, from scripture. "Soul winners" will knock on people's door or go out street preaching the message "believe in Jesus" and I agree faith is needed. The question is: How do we do that? Specifically how can a lost person get faith in Jesus?

I would have said through the word of GOD, we read GOD's word and believe all GOD's promises, trust in them and have faith in them.

 

[All Glory To God]

No, it was the Spirit. I asked, and received, being regenerated upon reception.

How the Spirit already worked on/in me I don't know, I know I felt God's presence during my two weeks search for Him but more so from the outside, through my skin, for lack of a better way to describe it, than from the inside, which I felt after me asking God for the Spirit.

So you say ''asked God'' and I'm not sure what for but clearly there was a communication there I see. Probably in line with this

Acts 2:21
And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.’


So why did you call out or ask him? Did God work on your heart or did you muster up something within yourself?

 

[All Glory To God]

1) -- They and all innocents that die we can expect (from scripture) are under the Grace of God, and will see eternal Life!

For instance: Luke 18:16 But Jesus called the children to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

2) -- Regarding needing to hear the gospel for those old enough to be accountable for their wrongs (old enough to know they are doing wrongs) --

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared...
1 Peter 3 ESV

The Word is the seed, and we read here He has brought the Word to the spirits in prison! That's mercy and grace!

So not all people need to hear the gospel to be saved,got it.

And what age does accountable start so people are not guilty?

 

[Jord Simcha]

So you say ''asked God'' and I'm not sure what for but clearly there was a communication there I see. Probably in line with this

Acts 2:21
And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.’


So why did you call out or ask him? Did God work on your heart or did you muster up something within yourself?

Probably fear of hell and/or desire to go to heaven, is why I asked, because the preacher I listened to, really stressed that you have to be born again. So I asked God for the Holy Spirit, and, received upon asking, which removed all doubt, though you might say my faith had grown over the days that I watched sermons (I really binge-watched them), but I think it was only saving faith after receiving the Spirit.

 

[All Glory To God]

I would have said through the word of GOD, we read GOD's word and believe all GOD's promises, trust in them and have faith in them.

That is an excellent formula brother and would be even better if you could retrieve some scripture to marry your statement up with the word.

Think of it this way,if a lost person was to approach you and ask you,in detail,how to believe in Christ from the Bible where would you take them?

 

[All Glory To God]

Probably fear of hell and/or desire to go to heaven, is why I asked, because the preacher I listened to, really stressed that you have to be born again. So I asked God for the Holy Spirit, and, received upon asking, which removed all doubt, though you might say my faith had grown over the days that I watched sermons (I really binge-watched them), but I think it was only saving faith after receiving the Spirit.

Ok thanks for that.

 

[ChristServant]

That is an excellent formula brother and would be even better if you could retrieve some scripture to marry your statement up with the word.

Think of it this way,if a lost person was to approach you and ask you,in detail,how to believe in Christ from the Bible where would you take them?

That's easy, to the book store for their own Bible. haha

 

[BrotherJJ]

The Bible says unless a person believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior they are separated from God.

How exactly does this faith in Christ come about, from scripture. "Soul winners" will knock on people's door or go out street preaching the message "believe in Jesus" and I agree faith is needed. The question is: How do we do that? Specifically how can a lost person get faith in Jesus?

OP Question: Faith: How does a person get it?

Answer: Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
(NOTE: God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith!

Additional related scripture:

Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by "faith of Jesus Christ" unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
(NOTE: The Faith "OF" Christ)

Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the "faith of Jesus Christ", even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the "faith of Christ" and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
(NOTE: It's the Faith "OF" Christ & thru the righteousness of Christ's obedient works. That when we place our faith in Him & His work. Christ becomes the Lord our righteousness (Jer 23:6 & 33:16). And God judicially justifies us ="Declares us Righteous in His sight)

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the "faith of the Son of God", who loved me, and gave himself for me.
(NOTE: It's by the faith "OF" the Son of God, who loved us, and gave himself as a sin sacrifice for us)

Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by "faith of Jesus Christ" might be given to them that believe.
(NOTE: The promise by the faith "OF" Jesus Christ. Then our Faith placed in Christ's work)

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but "the just shall live by his faith".
(NOTE: The just live by "HIS" faith!)

Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the "faith of Jesus Christ", even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the "faith of Christ" and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
(NOTE: It's the Faith "OF" Christ & thru the righteousness of Christ's obedient works. That when we place our faith in Him & His work. Christ becomes the Lord our righteousness (Jer 23:6 & 33:16). And God judicially justifies us ="Declares us Righteous in His sight)

Phil 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
(NOTE: Jesus gave is life to obedience)

Rom 5:19 (B) so "by the obedience of one" shall many be made righteous.
(NOTE: It's "By The Obedience Of One" = Jesus: Whereby many will be made righteous via faith)

Phil 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but "that which is through the "faith of Christ", the righteousness which is of God by faith:
(NOTE: Not by our own righteousness obtained thru law keeping. BUT by our faith placed in the faith "OF" Christ)

 

[ChristServant]

That is an excellent formula brother and would be even better if you could retrieve some scripture to marry your statement up with the word.

Think of it this way,if a lost person was to approach you and ask you,in detail,how to believe in Christ from the Bible where would you take them?

In all seriousness, if they wanted answers there and then, I would make them aware of their sins committed against GOD as scripture tells me.

Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul

Galatians 3:24
Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under the tutor.

Then once this is done I would explain what Christ did for sinners to be saved and that if the sinner repents of the wrongs done, turns away from them, then put his faith in Christ for what Christ done. But still take them to the book store for a Bible, an electronic Bible and audio Bible.

Peace be with all those in the body of Christ

God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth

Truly we are hear to serve and not to be served

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him

 

[All Glory To God]

OP Question: Faith: How does a person get it?

Answer: Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
(NOTE: God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith!

Additional related scripture:

Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by "faith of Jesus Christ" unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
(NOTE: The Faith "OF" Christ)

Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the "faith of Jesus Christ", even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the "faith of Christ" and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
(NOTE: It's the Faith "OF" Christ & thru the righteousness of Christ's obedient works. That when we place our faith in Him & His work. Christ becomes the Lord our righteousness (Jer 23:6 & 33:16). And God judicially justifies us ="Declares us Righteous in His sight)

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the "faith of the Son of God", who loved me, and gave himself for me.
(NOTE: It's by the faith "OF" the Son of God, who loved us, and gave himself as a sin sacrifice for us)

Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by "faith of Jesus Christ" might be given to them that believe.
(NOTE: The promise by the faith "OF" Jesus Christ. Then our Faith placed in Christ's work)

Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by "faith of Jesus Christ" unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
(NOTE: The Faith "OF" Christ)

Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the "faith of Jesus Christ", even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the "faith of Christ" and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
(NOTE: It's the Faith "OF" Christ & thru the righteousness of Christ's obedient works. That when we place our faith in Him & His redemptive work. Christ becomes the Lord our righteousness (Jer 23:6 & 33:16). And God judicially justifies us ="Declares us Righteous in His sight)

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me, and gave himself for me.
(NOTE: We live by the faith "OF" the Son of God, who loved us & gave himself as a sin sacrifice for us)

Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by "faith of Jesus Christ" might be given to them that believe.
(NOTE: The promise by the faith "OF" Jesus Christ. Then our Faith placed in Christ's work)

Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from "faith to faith": as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
(NOTE: From Faith to Faith. That's our Faith placed in Him & His faithful & obedient sacrificial works)

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but "the just shall live by his faith".
(NOTE: The just live by "HIS" faith!)

Phil 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
(NOTE: Jesus gave is life to obedience)

Rom 5:19 (B) so "by the obedience of one" shall many be made righteous.
(NOTE: It's "By The Obedience Of One" = Jesus: Whereby many will be made righteous via faith)

Phil 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but "that which is through the "faith of Christ", the righteousness which is of God by faith:
(NOTE: Not by our own righteousness obtained thru law keeping. BUT by our faith placed in the faith "OF" Christ)

JJ I read through your post and I see nowhere in any of that scripture or even close that it gives instructions to or for a non-believer to get faith in Christ. Being an evangelist and giving the lost a Commandment to have faith in Christ without details how to do it is worthless.

 

[Halbhh]

So not all people need to hear the gospel to be saved,got it.

And what age does accountable start so people are not guilty?

To me that 1rst Peter passage kinda points the other way, if you look at the big picture there -- they are hearing the Word after passing from this mortal life, and that gives them a chance to be saved it appears.

I don't have a simple answer about the age of accountability, even though in many cultures that's often something like 15 or 16 yrs old. I think probably the age of accountability varies by individual, and that it may happen gradually also. As teens mature towards adulthood, they become more and more accountable over time perhaps, is one possibility. But it's complex already also, in that even adults are not accountable for what they do not know or understand or have conscience giving clear guidance about -- Romans 4:15, 5:13.

 

[ChristServant]

That is an excellent formula brother and would be even better if you could retrieve some scripture to marry your statement up with the word.

Think of it this way,if a lost person was to approach you and ask you,in detail,how to believe in Christ from the Bible where would you take them?

I think sometimes we complicate things too much, especially when there is a simple answer available. A simple answer is easy to checkout in scripture for all levels of faith.

 

[All Glory To God]

In all seriousness, if they wanted answers there and then, I would make them aware of their sins committed against GOD as scripture tells me.

Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul

Galatians 3:24
Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under the tutor.

Then once this is done I would explain what Christ did for sinners to be saved and that if the sinner repents of the wrongs done, turns away from them, then put his faith in Christ for what Christ done. But still take them to the book store for a Bible, an electronic Bible and audio Bible.

Peace be with all those in the body of Christ

God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth

Truly we are hear to serve and not to be served

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him

I'm glad you brought the point of repentance up and I was anticipating it. Yes I agree to make the lost aware of sin and the need to repent and here's the next sticking spot-how do you repent?

It is also worth noting that just because a person changes their mind about certain lifestyle choices doesn't necessary mean a sincere faith in Christ will follow. A repentance to God is just as mysterious as faith.

 

[All Glory To God]

To me that 1rst Peter passage kinda points the other way, if you look at the big picture there -- they are hearing the Word after passing from this mortal life, and that gives them a chance to be saved it appears.

I don't have a simple answer about the age of accountability, even though in many cultures that's often something like 15 or 16 yrs old. I think probably the age of accountability varies by individual, and that it may happen gradually also. As teens mature towards adulthood, they become more and more accountable over time perhaps, is one possibility. But it's complex already also, in that even adults are not accountable for what they do not know or understand or have conscience giving clear guidance about -- Romans 4:15, 5:13.

With you Halbhh this is a whole different conversation because you follow pelagian,which only the cults and people on the fringes follow. I was talking on the assumption (my bad) that all people acknowledge at least some type of human sin but you deny any type of human sin if think accountable starts in the teens and not at birth,so a much more pressing argument would be human nature not faith.

 

[ChristServant]

I'm glad you brought the point of repentance up and I was anticipating it. Yes I agree to make the lost aware of sin and the need to repent and here's the next sticking spot-how do you repent?

It is also worth noting that just because a person changes their mind about certain lifestyle choices doesn't necessary mean a sincere faith in Christ will follow. A repentance to God is just as mysterious as faith.

The repentance will come to some quickly, some longer, some not at all, you have to remember this is all GOD's work not ours and HE calls, who he calls. It's all about making them aware of the sins against GOD, to open up their conscience only then, when they realize what they have done will repentance come about.

 

[All Glory To God]

I think sometimes we complicate things too much, especially when there is a simple answer available. A simple answer is easy to checkout in scripture for all levels of faith.

Yeah that's true and sometimes it is the other way round. We are told very simply to believe in Jesus and it is up to us to do it,when I started to examine the scripture for these instructions so I could help others follow Jesus,they are not there. Not in learnable detail. Why is that?