The Three Levels of Faith

 
There are three levels of faith in God. But firstly we need to know what faith is all about.
 

Faith according to Hebrew chapter 11 is the substance of things hope for and evidence of things not seen. That means, faith is a spiritual truth or scriptural truth. What the Spirit of God says and what the scripture says is faith.

The Three Levels of Faith

1. Trying to Believe. 

This is the case of the father of the boy that was epileptic according to Mark 9:14-29. He said to Jesus that he believed but Jesus should help his unbelief, that means he's trying to believe.

In this level of faith, one is only convinced by signs and wonders and when there's none, he or she frowns away. The faith of those trying to believe is not based on spiritual or scriptural truth but on signs and wonders. According to James in James 1:6, such kind of faith waves as the waves of the sea. It's a doubting faith. 

 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1: 6)

As children of God we need to outgrow this manner of faith since it's not centered on spirituality but on materiality.       


2. Believe. 

This is an Abrahamic faith. Having this kind of faith makes you spiritually strong (Romans 4: 20). 

Abraham believed in God, it isn't base on materiality, but spirituality. His spiritual eyes where enlightened. That's why David cried to the Lord in Psalms 119: 18 to open his eyes to behold the wonderous things out of the law. When you believe you see the wonderous things out of the law of God. When you believe you are obedient to God's law. The children of Israel in the wilderness tempted God through unbelief. They want to see signs and wonders instead of understanding the law.

Because of their unbelief they were bittered towards God. 

Abraham is the father of those who believe in God, not only to the Jews. A father is a founder. Abraham searched in spirit and in truth and found the power of God.
 

3. Winning the Prize of Life. This is the prize of faith in Christ. Paul said, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers,

"I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. " (Philipians 3: 12-14) .

This level of faith is obtaining the price of victory, which on earth no one has obtained.

Why People Don't Believe

To believe is to be convinced or persuaded about the validity of something. One is certain to believe what he or she sees or experience. One can also believe through the mouth of a witness.  However, many still find it difficult to believe the word of God.
 

The followings are reasons why people don't believe in the word of God:

1. No anionted preacher.

How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? 

And how can they preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10:14-15).

How can they believe without a preacher. Not everyone preaching the word are sent. Preaching is proclaiming the truth with power, signs and wonders. Jesus told his disciples to wait in order for them to be endued with power from on high (Acts chapter 1). Jesus knew that his disciples can't convince or persuade anyone without the power of God. In fact, Paul the Apostle said in Romans 1:16, that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation.  Without the power of God no man would be converted to the gospel.
 

2. Traditions of the Elders. 

The elders or leaders can be a stumbling block to people in believing the gospel. The elders or leaders can be in the family setting, religion or the society. The elders being in power can set laws or give orders against the gospel. Like in countries where Islamic or sharia laws are practiced the gospel is forbidden by their laws.  

Also, if you're born into a family were Christianity is not practiced, but other religion, then it's certain that you are not going to believe. Except you see signs and wonders or facts to doubt that religion before you can be converted from it. That's why we need to pray that God should turn our leaders to the truth, or to destroy rebellious leaders (power of darkness) standing against the gospel.
 

3.  Self Worship. 

A church goer because of  materialism pretends to believe in God. Such are hypocrites or dogs. Paul spoke concerning them in Phillipians 3: 17 -19,

   For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.

4. Temptation. 

Satan can turn one away from God, or make one to see God as liar. When such a person suffers he or she usually blames God, but never see his or her fault in his problem or suffering.  Such persons believe that God exist but he is unfair, unjust as far they are concern. They pass judgement on God whenever things go wrong. That makes them to doubt the word of God.

How Can We Have Faith in God

I believe everyone have faith, but the problem is where we put our faith.  Our faith (receiving faith) is where we put our hope in. Turning to the wrong channel breaks our connection from Jesus.
Jesus said "Take care how you listen " (Luke 18: 8).

When you're addicted to Jesus you receive from His life. You can be addicted to Jesus by being a follower of the word and not Pastors. Follow the truth preached and written in the scripture not personalities. I do listen to teachings from different pastors but  I compare it with the truth that Jesus has shown in the scripture. If such teaching falls short then it should be trashed.