Faith Is The Key
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV) The Living Bible puts it this way: “You can never please God without faith, without depending on Him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe there is a God and that He rewards those who sincerely look for Him.” There are some key concepts that must be understood in order to grasp the truth and blessing contained in this well known verse.
It is imperative to note the word impossible. Human goodness and effort, while commendable, are insufficient to please a holy God. Faith is not just an option, but the only option. Such faith is described in simple terms. It is not faith in faith. Rather it is an absolute trust. Trust that God exists, and trust that He is able to fully care and provide for those who sincerely look to Him. It carries the thought of absolute confidence in all His promises. This confidence embraces the sovereignty of God, His character and goodness.
Faith in God leads us to please Him by entrusting our lives to Christ. God the Father described Jesus as the One in whom He was well pleased. To be in Christ is to be in a relationship that pleases God. Out of this relationship, believers are called to grow more into the likeness of Christ. Jesus, the One in whom God was fully pleased, did not live to please Himself. In the same manner our faith should express itself through service to others. True faith allows us to serve because of our relationship with God, and frees us from the bondage in serving in order to earn a relationship with Him.
-Terry Morrison