The Source Of Faith
We reach back to 1835 for the following excerpts; and bid you read with thoughtful care.
"Something must be done before it can be known, reported or believed. Hence, in the order of nature, there is first the fact; then the testimony; and then the belief. A was drowned before B reported it; B reported it before C believed it; and C believed it before he was grieved at it. ******
We descend from fact to testimony; from testimony to belief; and from belief to grief. *** If then, there was nothing said or done, there could be no testimony, and so no faith." (So obviously, no effect -- grief. rft)
"Law calls for obedience, and testimony for belief. Where there is no law there can be no obedience, and when there is no testimony there can be no faith. As obedience can not transcend (climb across, go above-rt) law, so faith can not transcend testimony. John's testimony (re. Christ) went to so many facts. On his testimony we can believe only as far as he has testified; and so of all the other witnesses."
In the light of such obvious truth we are moved to question those who "believe" God will accept religious practices for which there is no testimony, no authority, in His word. We can only "believe" God will accept that which he says (or indicates, by approved example or necessary infershce) He will accept. Our one true source of divine proof is His word. ("We walk by faith, not by sight" 2 Cor. 5:7) and ("Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom. 10:17) A man tells me, 'My faith alone is sufficient evidence of my salvation. I believe I am saved." But did God say our feelings were sufficient evidence for salvation? Did God say that faith only would justify, or did He not say "faith without works is dead." (Jas. 2:24-26)
Another, who gives little time to Bible study-- and objects when I seek to present its teachings to him -- is convinced that God puts faith in his heart by miraculous action. He fails to see that the instrument of the Holy Spirit is God's word. (Eph. 6:l7)
Perhaps most exasperating of all is the man who rares back on his dignity and says, "Well, you believe it one way and I believe it another. We can't all see it alike." See what?? He gives no scripture for consideration -- he has no Bible testimony -- yet he wants the right to "believe" something. If God approved our "believing" anything we wished, there would be no reason for having Bible testimony.
To walk by faith we must hear and accept divine testimony. Our steps must then be in accordance with that testimony. The effect must be traceable to a divine source: "made sorry after a Godly manner" or "obedient to the faith." (2 Cor. 7:8-11 Rom. 1:5) Human traditions and emotional demonstrations can not produce true faith.
(Quotations at beginning of article from "Christian System" by Alex. Campbell, pp. 97-98, Publ. 1835.)