In Don Fortner's article "What Is Faith? -- Knowledge," the main theological topic addressed is the nature of true saving faith as distinct from false forms of faith. Fortner argues that true faith comprises three essential components: knowledge, assent, and trust. He supports his argument with several Scripture references, particularly Hebrews 11:6, which emphasizes the necessity of believing in God's character and His rewarding nature, and John 17:3, that underscores the importance of knowing God through Christ. The article's doctrinal significance lies in its clarification that faith is not an abstract leap but is grounded in the knowledge of God as revealed in Scripture, thereby highlighting the Reformed understanding that salvation is rooted in an informed relationship with God through Christ.
Key Quotes
“But without faith it is impossible to please him for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
“Faith true saving faith consists of three things: knowledge, assent, and trust.”
“In order for anyone to have faith he must know the Lord God as he is revealed in the Person and work of Christ.”
“The only way any man can attain this knowledge is by the revelation of God in Christ the God-man.”
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. - Hebrews 11:6What Is Faith? -- Knowledge
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6
There are many forms of false faith by which the souls of men are deluded. James tells us that even the devils have faith. What is that true, saving faith, that faith by which a man pleases God? That is the question that must be answered. And it is answered, answered with emphatic clarity, in the Book of God. There is but one true faith. We must examine ourselves and prove ourselves on this point, whether we be in “the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). Faith, true, saving faith, consists of three things: knowledge, assent, and trust. If we would be pleasing to God, if we would come to him and be saved by him, we must know the revelation of God in the gospel, we must give assent that God’s revelation is truth, and we must trust him whom God reveals.
Knowledge Essential
The first aspect of faith is knowledge. Knowledge is not faith. Yet, there is no faith without knowledge. Paul says, “He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Knowledge is essential to faith. We cannot trust an unknown Christ. Faith in Christ is a heart work. But it is not a leap in the dark. It is based upon knowledge. In order for us to trust, there must be someone, or something known for us to trust (Isa. 53:11; John 17:3).
God Is
In order for anyone to have faith, he must know the Lord God, as he is revealed in the Person and work of Christ (John 1:18; 14:6-9; Heb. 1:1-3). We must know that God is, that he is who he says he is, and that he is what he says he is—Sovereign and Good (Ex. 33:18-19)—Just and Gracious (Isa. 45:20-22)—Holy and Merciful (Isa. 6:3, 7). The only way any man can attain this knowledge is by the revelation of God in Christ, the God-man (2 Cor. 4:5-6).
The Rewarder
We must also know that God is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Isa. 55:3, 6, 7; Jer. 29:13-14). All who seek the Lord, all who come to God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, shall be rewarded with eternal life and everlasting salvation. This, too, must be known. But how can we know that God will reward every believer with eternal salvation? By the Gospel (1 Cor. 15:3; Rom. 3:24-26)! The Lord Jesus earned righteousness for his people (Rom. 5:19). The Son of God purchased salvation for his elect (Gal. 3:13; Heb. 9:12). God has promised that salvation to all who trust his Son (John 3:14-16, 36; Rom. 10:9-13).
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