God rewards faith

That which is written in Hebrews 11:6 is fundamentally logical. As it specifically emphasizes that one must believe (with faith), it is also clear that it is possible to believe without actually and really believing. And the Bible confirms, on several occasions, that one can also have a false and imaginary faith. We read, for example, in Matthew 7:21-23 “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name have cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.'' Here one asks oneself: Can one also believe without God? One can believe a lie – that is possible. Someone once said to me that he believes one can make a good soup with two kilogram beef mince – that is without doubt also a belief! Fundamentally, the faith in our community plays a specific role. Only the goal associated therewith differs. Many people only believe that which they can see. That is a rather paltry faith. That which we don't doubt although we cannot see it, and that we hope for even though a lot speaks against it, that is true faith (Hebrews 11:1). Why is it so emphasized in the Bible? Is it not (as said) logical that one can only come to God through faith? I believe that logic ends here! Maybe because it is alleged that many people want to come to God through certain practises, traditions and rituals. Thereby it becomes only all about themselves and they replace faith with stupid ritual actions (for example to crucify themselves or light a candle, etc.)

Other people contend that they only believe in themselves, in order to strengthen their self-awareness. Question: Do you know one person who is not self-aware? We must and can count on God. And when we pray, we should have faith in what we ask for. Not for the thing's sake, but for God's sake. The Bible asks, in this context, in Romans 8:24: “...for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?” Through our faith in Jesus Christ we get access to eternal life, to the spiritual world and to the truth (Psalm 119:160: “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”) This invisible world is without question more real than the false and visible world. Flesh and blood plays no role in God's world, but only that which is invisible within us, namely the spirit and the soul. Are you aware that we are spiritual creatures? Close your eyes and imagine you are standing at the seaside during dusk, the breeze blowing through your hair and gently stroking your flesh, whilst you observe, wonderfully relaxed, as the sun slowly disappears beyond the horizon – finished? Only a spiritual creature can do this, no un-spiritual matter. God is spirit and truth! We can't only believe with our minds, even though we are allowed to use our minds for the sake of the Gospel. God exists! It is easily said, but only through believing that God does not sleep or slumber in your life (Psalm 121:4) something changes. God is a Person and wants to be taken seriously. This is the case with you and me too. Whoever seeks God with faith, will definitely be rewarded for doing so.

Jörg Bauer