The God of Faith

We don't use this description of God very often; more frequently using terms like the God of Love, Almighty God, etc.
But let's explore this aspect of our Heavenly Father.

We shall begin by looking at the Greek word that we often translate as "faith" in English translations.
It is the word "pistin" or "pistis" - which can also be translated as "faithfulness", or even "fidelity", as well as "faith".

Often these alternatives can be very helpful in understanding what has been written for us in the Word of God.
Take for example Romans 3 : 2 - 4a, which is part of a discussion on God's promises to Israel.

... chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
God forbid.
[KJV]

What does the "faith of God" mean?
Several other translations will help us to answer that question.

In the first place, God trusted his message to the Jews.
But what if some of them were not faithful? Does this mean that God will not be faithful?
Certainly not!
[GNB]
First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.
What is some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness?
Not at all!
[NIV]
Firstly, indeed they were entrusted with God's oracles.
What then? If some were unfaithful, will their infidelity annul God's fidelity?
Let it not be so!
[DBH]

These help us see that it is the faithfulness of God that guarantees the promises to Israel will be kept.
So let's agree to use faith or faithfulness - whichever provides clarity for us English readers.

The conclusion from above is that God will remain faithful to Israel even though some of them are unfaithful.

So what about God's faithfulness to his creation as a whole?
What has he promised?

[God] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
[Ephesians 1 : 9 -10  NIV]

and

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Jesus], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
[Colossians 1 : 19 - 20  NIV]

What role was Jesus to play in the implementation of the Father's will?
Jesus made it clear in several conversations recorded in the Gospels.

For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
[John 6 : 38  NIV]

What about Jesus' commitment to this?

"When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to me.”
"I came, not to judge the world, but to save it. "
[John 12 : 32, 47b  GNB]

Jesus' faithfulness to the Father's plan to save the world was surely tested in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
[Luke 22 : 42  NIV]

Christ's humanity produced such agony that he perspired drops of blood, but his faithfulness to his Father, and submission to the Father's will, prevailed.
Indeed he said,

"My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work".
[John 4 : 34  NIV]

And what did Jesus say on the cross just before he died?

Jesus said, "It is finished". With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
[John 19 : 30  NIV]

My appreciation of God's master plan, and his faithfulness to his promises, together with Christ's faithfulness to his Father, assure me that Christ Ultimately Rescues Everyone by the end of time, ensuring all will be reconciled to God and ready to step into eternity.

Blessings, Barry

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