The Rejection of Faith

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. Romans 10:17-21 (KJV)

The Apostle Paul in his treatise on Christian doctrine explains Israel’s current situation under grace or during the dispensation of grace. Israel has rejected God’s plan and messiah which has led to a way for the Gentiles to be brought into the kingdom of God. Israel has remained steadfastly religious during this time but nationally they have been blinded according to Paul. This current situation was prophesied by Isaiah as Paul points out. Because of their rejection of faith, God has blinded them to the truth of the gospel. Ironically, Paul declares that they have heard the message or the words of the message. In spite of hearing the message, they have not received it nor can they receive it until God gives them spiritual sight again. The only way to receive the word is through faith. And, according to our text today, this they have rejected.

I. Israel’s Rejection of Faith
A. Disobedience (willfully disbelieving)
B. Gainsaying (refuse or speak against)

II. The Necessity of Faith
A. Impossible to please God without Faith
B. All Things are Possible to Him who Believes
C. Salvation is by Grace through Faith

III. Christians’ Rejection of Faith
A. Willfully Disbelieving
B. Speaking Against Things We understand Not


Many Christians, today, find themselves in a situation similar to Israel’s situation. They have stopped growing spiritually. It is for the same reason as Israel’s condition. Many Christians, after accepting faith and receiving the gospel message of salvation, have now turned their backs on faith. How is that possible? It is possible through willful disbelief and stubborn refusal to accept any more faith from God. Faith is not believing in something so much that it has to be true. That is called wishful thinking. Faith is trusting God to the point of taking his word at face value, believing in it, and receiving it. Faith originates or starts with God but we have to receive it. Faith must be received from God. Faith, like grace, is a gift from God. The only way to have it is to receive it. The faith I had to be saved is not the same as the faith I need to live as a Christian. Yes, I am saved but now I have to trust God to order my steps so that I can live according to his will. Christian living is not something we have to figure out. We have to trust God’s word to the point of receiving it at face value. His word will direct our steps. As we allow the Holy Ghost to guide us, we experience a newness of life. There are many today who speak against the works of the Holy Ghost; this is not because they can prove their point of view by the scriptures. They speak against the works of the Holy Ghost because they have not experienced them. So it is impossible for them to have faith to experience those works because of their gainsaying or stubborn refusal.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” I have often wondered how two people can come to the same teaching week after week and one of them grow to the point of having a totally new spiritual walk and the other continues to ask the same type of questions or make the same type of statements as the very first day of class. The answer lies in their faith. One comes expecting and believing the absoluteness of God’s word and the other comes skeptical and believing they already know enough. Salvation is the greatest promise of all but it is our faith that makes us complete today. This is what Jesus taught. Jesus said to the woman who had an issue of blood “Daughter, thy faith has made thee whole.” He said to the leper who returned to give him thanks “Arise, go thy way: thy faith has made thee whole.” He said to blind Bartimeus “Go thy way; thy faith has made thee whole.” He said to a prostitute after she had washed his feet with her tears, dried them with the hair on her head, and kissed his feet “Thy faith has saved thee; go in peace.” What’s your testimony today? Have you rejected faith or are you walking by faith? Whenever we reject the faith that God offers us, we cannot walk by faith but instead we walk by sight. We depend on our insight, our hindsight, or our foresight. In other words, we lean on our own understanding. God wants to teach us a better way. This way starts with his son, Jesus.

Robert C. Hudson
March 29, 2009