Hebrews 11:1 looks at “faith” by defining what it is (taking God at His Word) and what its object must be (Jesus). Over the next few days we are going to answer another question about the nature of saving faith, namely, “Where does faith come from?” We will examine Romans 10:17, Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 5:22-23, and several other key texts that will help us identify where saving faith comes from.
In order to affirm the positive about where faith comes from we must first expose the negative, that is, we must explain where faith does not come from. Not only will this sweep away several myths floating around the evangelical world, it will also give us a clean foundation upon which to build with the Word of God as we answer the question about where faith really does originate.
So what are a few of the incorrect answers out there about where faith comes from and how do we know that they are indeed wrong answers? Let’s look to the Scriptures and allow the Spirit to expose doctrinal error where we find it.
5. Does Faith Come from Others?
There is one more popular answer to consider. Even after looking at these wrong answers already given, some persist. When asked where faith originates or comes from they answer that faith is inherited. We get it from our parents and their faith, or from our upbringing. Is the faith of a parent automatically handed down to their children? Can we inherit faith? What do we inherit from our parents in this regard?
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. – John 1:12-13
For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. – Romans 9:6-8
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. – 1 Corinthians 15:50
While teaching our children and training them in the fear and admonition of the Lord is required of us as Christian parents, faith is not handed down automatically from parent to child, sibling to sibling, husband to wife, or friend to friend.
Seeing these answers then, where does faith come from? How do we “get faith?”
We will answer that next week.
Next – Part 6: Faith Comes By Hearing the Word of God
