Why Miracles Alone Do Not Build Faith - The Meaning of True Faith

The Meaning of True Faith

Faith is more than mere belief.  It is also more than a momentary emotional reaction to some miracle.  Says Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld."  An individual having faith is convinced in his heart that everything Jehovah God promises is as good as fulfilled.  Moreover, the undeniable proof of unseen realities is so powerful that  faith itself is said to be equivalent to that evidence.  Yes, faith is based on evidence.  And in times past, miracles played a role in development of faith or the building of it.  the signs performed by Jesus served to convince others that he was the promised Messiah.  (Matthew 8:16, 17; Hebrews 2:2-4)   Similarly, such gifts of God's holy spirit, or active force, as miraculous healing and speaking in tongues proved that the Jews no longer had Jehovah's favor but that his approval now rested on the Christian congregation, established by his Son, Jesus Christ. -1 Corinthians 12:7-11.

Among the miraculous gifts of the  spirit was the ability to prophesy.  When unbelievers  observed this miracle, some were moved to worship Jehovah, declaring:  "God is really among you."  (1 Corinthians 14:22-25)  However, Jehovah God did not intend that miracles be a permanent  feature of Christian worship.  Accordingly, the apostle Paul wrote:  "Whether there are gifts of prophesying, they will be done away with; whether there are tongues, they will cease.  (1 Corinthians 13:8)  These gifts evidently ceased with the death of the apostles and those who had received such gifts by means of them.

Would people then be left without a basis for faith?  No, for Paul said:  "[God] did not leave himself without witness in that he did good, giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts to the full with food and good cheer." (Acts 14:17)  Indeed, to honesthearted ones who are willing to open their minds and hearts to the evidence that surrounds us, Jehovah God's "invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world's creation onward, because they are perceived  by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they [those who deny God] are inexcusable." -Romans 1:20.

More than belief in God's existence is needed.  Paul urged:  "Quit being fashioned  after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  (Romans 12:2)  This can be done by diligently studying the Scriptures with the aid of Christian publications, such as this magazine.  Faith based on accurate knowledge of God's Word, the Bible, is not weak, nor shallow.  Those who have discerned God's will and are doing it in faith are rendering sacred service to God. -Romans 12:1.

Next time: Why Miracles Alone Do Not Build Faith - Believing Though Not Seeing

The Watchtower, 1997