The Gospel of...Words

Editor's Note: Part two of six in a series entitled "The Gospel of..."

The knowledge of the faith is nothing of the belief of the faith in practice, for it is of the mind of God to love, to forgive, to show mercy and to hope, for these things have no understandable explanation of knowledge.

Jesus frequently mentioned such an idea. The Pharisees knew the law, theology, and knowledge of God. Yet, Jesus continually condemned them saying to "beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Mt. 16:12)." Not that their knowledge was incorrect, but their understanding, application and practicality of their faith was worthless to the point that Jesus warned, "On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord'...then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you (Mt. 7:22-23).'"

It is not enough to believe with words, to have knowledge of the law, history and theology of God. Knowledge must be founded through faith in order to have a true understanding of the nature of God.

As the apostle Paul wrote, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Words, knowledge and knowing the right answer mean nothing if not founded in faith and practice.

"Preach the Gospel - if necessary, use words," is a statement often attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi. This idea supposes that the actions of our life have more value than words. Undoubtedly this is true is a culture that does not value the sincerity of words amidst widespread hypocrisy and fallenness. However, this is not to excuse the need for verbal declarations of truth. Words have their place and it is important to possess the knowledge of God as it comes from faith in Him for "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

As Paul said, the two, knowledge (words) and faith, go together in the declaration of truth.

There are many scholars who have studied the knowledge of God and never believed. And many likewise who have studied the knowledge and become believers. The principle of the matter is that knowledge is enhanced through faith because the knowledge and understanding of God is made clearer day by day as He reveals His mercies and truth through daily faith and practice.

The Gospel of Words tells us to learn all we can in order to have the right answers and human understanding but the Gospel of Jesus Christ tells us to have faith and trust Him for all the answers and by doing so we will have greater understanding and insight to the knowledge of God.