“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” –Romans 10:17, NIV
The book of Genesis introduces us to the one true God, creator of the heavens and the earth. It profoundly depicts how God spoke the world into existence and all its beauty. When you gaze at nature and the creations of the world, you may think that you are in awe of what you see, but you are in awe of the one who created what you see. Nature points back to God.
All of what and who God created points back to himself. Through his creations, God made himself known to us: “For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 NIV. But God has also made himself known to us through his word. This particular revelation of God is necessary to develop your faith in God.
The Bible consists of 66 distinguished books that detail God’s creation, the fall of man, redemption through Jesus’ death on the cross, and his new creation. Within each book, we distinctly see how God interacts with mankind.
In Genesis, God clothed Adam and Eve when their fig leaves were insufficient to cover their shame. In I Samuel, we see God as a weigher of the heart, not considering outward appearances as humans do. In Daniel, we see God as the revealer of mysteries. In Revelation, we see him as the alpha and the omega.
As we read in Exodus 3, He is I AM. He is the way. He is love. He is the truth, and so much more. These descriptors only scratch the surface of who God is. We know God to embody all these attributes and more, not solely through our experiences with him but through reading the word of God.
The more we study the word of God, the more our faith in him grows, and we are transformed. There is something about seeing God move throughout history during a time before our own. Knowing God solely through our perspective is not enough. It is powerful to examine the Bible with the anticipation of learning about God through the perspectives, examples, and experiences of others.
The foundation of our faith and reading the word go hand in hand. We see this displayed explicitly in the book of Romans. Romans is a letter written by the apostle Paul to Christians living in Rome to teach them about the righteousness of God.
Romans 10:14-17 says, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
We need to hear the word about Christ to have faith in Christ. The word of God is necessary for human flourishing, and it magnifies transformative power.
Prayer: God, thank you for your word. It is alive and active and teaches me about your ways, who you are, and how to live righteously. Your word also establishes faith and sustains it. Give me the heart that constantly seeks to study and meditate on your word. Amen.
Your Turn: How has the word of God specifically strengthened your faith in God? How has it transformed you?
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