The article "Ordinary Men Trusting an Omnipotent God" by Don Fortner explores the theme of faith as depicted in Hebrews 11, emphasizing that the focus is not merely on the individuals celebrated for their faith, but on the greatness of God, the source of that faith. Fortner argues that true faith is a divine gift, not a result of human will, as supported by Ephesians 2:8-9 and Colossians 2:12, highlighting that faith is active, requiring a response to God’s revelation. This assertion is underlined by Romans 10:17, which posits that faith comes from hearing God’s Word. The practical significance of this theology lies in the encouragement it provides believers facing trials, asserting that their strength to trust God derives not from their own abilities but from God's omnipotent grace and sustaining power. Fortner ultimately reassures believers that like the ordinary figures of faith discussed, they too can rely on God’s sovereignty and grace to fulfill His purposes in their lives.
Key Quotes
“Paul's purpose here is to extol the greatness of their God the Giver and Sustainer of faith.”
“True saving faith is the gift and operation of God... it is the gift of God, the fruit of the Holy Spirit.”
“Faith is not dependent on favorable outward conditions. Faith rises above circumstances.”
“Trusting God our Savior we shall be delivered from all our enemies and sustained and enabled to do his will in this age for the glory of his name.”
What does the Bible say about saving faith?
The Bible teaches that true saving faith is a gift from God and is centered on Christ as our Savior and Lord.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:17, 1 Peter 1:23-25
How do we know faith in God is true?
Faith in God is grounded in the revelation of Scriptures and the character of God as omnipotent.
Romans 10:17
Why is faith important for Christians?
Faith is essential for Christians as it is the means through which they trust in God's promises and strength.
Philippians 4:12-13
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: - Hebrews 11:32Ordinary Men Trusting An Omnipotent God
“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets." Hebrews 11:32
It is commonly thought that Paul’s purpose in writing Hebrews 11 is to extol the greatness of those men and women whose names are mentioned in these verses, or at least to extol the greatness of their faith. Neither is true. Paul’s purpose here is to extol the greatness of their God, the Giver and Sustainer of faith. In this chapter the Holy Spirit is encouraging believers, in the midst of great trials, facing great dangers, enduring great opposition, to continue trusting Christ. Let me remind you of some things clearly revealed in the Book of God about faith.
•The singular Object of all true faith is the triune God, revealed and known in the Lord Jesus Christ, our Substitute.
Faith looks to Christ alone for righteousness and atonement. But there is more to faith than trusting Christ as our sin-atoning Savior. Faith trusts Christ as Lord, as the God of all providence and grace, ruling and disposing of all things for the salvation of his people.
•True, saving faith is the gift and operation of God (Eph. 2:8-9; Col. 2:12).
Faith is not a work of man’s free will. It is not something we have a natural ability to perform. It is the gift of God, the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
•Faith is given by, arises from, and acts in obedience to the revelation of God in the Scriptures.
Every act of faith described in this chapter, every act of faith described in the entire Word of God, was in direct response to God’s revelation (Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25).
•4. Though faith is the gift of God, the operation of his grace in us, though we cannot and will not believe apart from the gift and operation of God’s grace, faith is not a passive, but an active thing. – Faith acts in response to God’s revelation.
•The power, strength, and efficacy of faith is not in us, or the strength of our faith, but in our omnipotent God, the Object of our faith.
These were ordinary men, sinners saved by the grace of God, washed in the blood of Christ, robed in his righteousness, born of his Spirit, just like us. – Saved sinners, but sinners still! – Ordinary men, just like us, who trusted an omnipotent God. Faith is not dependent on favorable outward conditions. Faith rises above circumstances. Faith is sustained and energized by One who is infinitely superior to all circumstances. Trusting God our Savior, we shall be delivered from all our enemies, and sustained and enabled to do his will in this age for the glory of his name. Yes, we can do all that he would have us do, by his all-sufficient grace in Christ (Phil. 4:12-13).
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