2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he stays faithful: he cannot deny himself. 1. Faith in God involves, in its very act, a rational appreciation of evidence. Hence it is distinct from credulity, which is belief without evidence; from scepticism, which is unbelief, though evidence is at hand; and from infidelity, which is the rejection of evidence sufficient to convince. In each of these there is either the neglect or the abuse of the reason, and a consequent injury to the intellectual as well as to the moral powers of the soul. But faith in God, distinct from all these, is belief on sufficient evidence. 2. Faith in God promotes the highest exercise of reason, because also it rests upon the most substantial and durable foundation. If, in the investigation of natural truth, it is philosophical to seek for first principles, it is equally or more so to require them in the reception of revealed truth. Now to have faith in God is to rest on first principles, and to build up knowledge and hope on a sure foundation. 3. Faith takes in the sublimest truths, and the widest circle of thought. 4. If this be our philosophy we shall not stumble at miracles. While faith admits the miracles as facts, reason co-operates with faith by showing that they are wise and good. Moreover, the great first miracle displayed in the world's creation, which we receive by faith, prepare the mind for all other miracles, however stupendous they may be (Hebrews 11:1). 5. Guided by the philosophy of faith, we shall not stumble at mysteries. For what are mysteries? Grand truths as yet but palatally revealed; the first syllables of some vast volume to be unrolled hereafter. 6. Nor at alleged contradictions between science and revelation. We are free to admit that there are difficulties, real difficulties, between science and revelation; and there may be even greater still. What then? We are but in the position in which patriarchs and prophets were placed for ages. 7. Supported by the philosophy of faith, we shall not faint under the delay of promised good. "One day is with the Lord as a thousand years," etc. (W. Cooke, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.WEB: If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can't deny himself." |
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