FEELINGS, FACTS, AND FAITH
Commentary By Robert DeWitt, 6/07
[In any review and commentary about the Holy Bible, it must first be recognized that faith is the critical factor, not reasonings and beliefs. Sometimes we hear about archeologists, religious professors at universities, etc. engaged in a search of the Bible to reconcile it with their feelings and hypotheses, and they miss the truth because they rely on their logic without faith. God says: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6). It is HIM, not an intellectual inquiry after religion that opens the door. Faith transcends man's logic. The Bible is quite logical and sound, and in accord with facts, but the facts and the truth are often hidden from faithless ones, who cannot comprehend God---neither in Person nor in purpose or plan.]
Our feelings or reasonings about God, His Word, and His ways, is not the same as faith. Interpretations about anything in the Bible to support a carnal hypothesis is futile. The Bible is a closed revelation to intellectual curiosity.
Feelings cannot save a soul (the primary purpose of Holy Scripture), and neither can knowledge of Biblical facts, some study, or even attendance and membership at church meetings. It might help one to learn more about God, but learning alone is not sufficient. One might feel spiritual and enjoy the thoughts, and it may be God speaking to one, yet they may not know God. Feeling is an emotional stirring and may be a conscience about spiritual things, as when one faces the death of a friend or loved one, but faith is the action about the feeling and needs to be dir-ected for some profit. Does one know how to direct that faith? See John 3:16, John 4:24, John 14:6 in the Holy Bible, and then one needs to pray to God for lead-ing into the truth of it..
Knowing the truth about life, death, and eternity is good, and having a conscience is good, but only faith and trust in the Son of God---the Lord Jesus Christ, can reveal truth and bring salvation to the soul and the blessings of God. If one truly knows the truth of God's Word, then that one knows "He that has the Son has life (eternal), and he that has not the Son of God has not life" (1 Jn.5:12). It is a possession to be received, and that by communion with Christ, and then the new life in Him by the Holy Spirit will open up the truth of the Word and the ways of God. One needs to lay aside their religious and philosophical thoughts and receive Christ.
"What shall I then do with Jesus"?, the Governor Pilate said to the people, and "I find no fault in him". That was conscience, but he failed to act by faith and seek to know the Lord before whom he stood. The thief on the cross got it right. God says that without faith it is impossible to please Him (Heb.11:6). Some people confess a belief about God, but without faith in Him and obedience to His Word. That is only religious reasoning and vain hopes. They cannot thus be "born again" for salvation (John 3); and neither can they enter in and understand the Scriptures. Faith speaks of a relationship, which ought to be in God and not in our thoughts and feelings.
Spiritual feelings may very well be God speaking to awaken us and draw us near, but we must not suppose that is a sign to begin reasoning and speculating about God. We need to follow His Word and yield to Him. Our feelings are most often contrary to God.
Do not be deceived! It has been said that "the road to hell is paved with good intentions". God requires faith and says: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:30-31). It is truly that simple and is the promise of the Creator God, yet many are missing it for lack of serious seeking to know Him whom God has sent. One needs to know the Person of Christ and have faith in Him, which is not the same as believing a doctrine. - RLD.
