How Important Is Strong Faith?

This is the type of faith that the Bible encourages​—strong faith built on solid evidence, even if it requires that we adjust our beliefs. Such faith is vital. The apostle Paul wrote: “Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him.”​—Hebrews 11:6, New Century Version.

There are many challenges to developing strong faith. But if you take the four steps discussed on the following pages, you can succeed.

1 Build Confidence in the Bible

“All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight.”​—2 Timothy 3:16.

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE? Many maintain that the Bible is nothing more than a book of human wisdom. Some believe that it is historically inaccurate. Others claim that the Bible’s counsel is impractical or out-of-date.

HOW CAN YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGE? Often, those who question the reliability or usefulness of the Bible have not investigated the matter for themselves. They merely repeat what others say. However, the Bible warns: “Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps.”​—Proverbs 14:15.

Instead of blindly accepting what others say, why not follow the example of the first-century Christians who lived in Beroea, in what is now northern Greece? They did not just accept what others told them. Rather, they had a reputation for “carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) Let us briefly consider two reasons why you can have confidence that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.

The Bible is historically accurate. Over the years, skeptics have challenged​—and continue to challenge—​the Bible’s accuracy regarding the names of people and places it mentions. Time and again, though, evidence has proved the skepticism to be unfounded and the Bible record to be trustworthy.

For example, at one time scholars doubted the existence of Assyrian King Sargon, mentioned at Isaiah 20:1. However, in the 1840’s, archaeologists began unearthing the palace of this king. Now, Sargon is one of the best-known Assyrian kings.

Critics questioned the existence of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who ordered Jesus’ death. (Matthew 27:1, 22-24) But in 1961 a stone bearing Pilate’s name and rank was discovered near the city of Caesarea in Israel.

Regarding the historical accuracy of the Bible, the October 25, 1999, issue of U.S.News & World Report said: “In extraordinary ways, modern archaeology has affirmed the historical core of the Old and New Testaments​—corroborating key portions of the stories of Israel’s patriarchs, the Exodus, the Davidic monarchy, and the life and times of Jesus.” While faith in the Bible does not hinge on archaeological discoveries, such historical accuracy is what you would expect of a book inspired by God.

The practical wisdom contained in the Bible benefits people of all backgrounds. Long before the discovery of microorganisms and their role in spreading disease, the Bible recommended hygienic practices that are still relevant today. (Leviticus 11:32-40; Deuteronomy 23:12, 13) Family members who apply the Bible’s advice about how to treat one another are happier. (Ephesians 5:28–6:4) A person who lives by Bible principles may become a more conscientious employee or a more reasonable employer. (Ephesians 4:28; 6:5-9) Applying Bible principles is beneficial for emotional health as well. (Proverbs 14:30; Ephesians 4:31, 32; Colossians 3:8-10) Such practical advice is what we would expect from our Creator.

WHAT IS THE REWARD? The wisdom found in the Bible can make even an inexperienced person wise. (Psalm 19:7) In addition, once we gain confidence in the Bible, it can help us as no other book can in taking the next step toward having stronger faith.

For more information, see chapter 2, “The Bible​—A Book From God,” in the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?a

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2 Gain Accurate Knowledge of God

“This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God.”​—John 17:3.

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE? Some say that God is not real. Others hold that God is a vast, impersonal force. Those who believe that he is a real person teach conflicting doctrines about who he is and the qualities that he displays.

HOW CAN YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGE? One way to gain knowledge of God is to look at the things he has made. The apostle Paul said: “[God’s] invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship.” (Romans 1:20) By carefully observing the natural world, you can learn much about the wisdom and power of our Creator.​—Psalm 104:24; Isaiah 40:26.

However, to gain accurate knowledge of God’s personality, each individual needs to open God’s Word, the Bible, and examine it for himself. Do not passively allow others to mold your thinking. Instead, follow the Bible’s advice: “Quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) For example, consider the following facts that the Bible reveals about God.

God has a personal name. God’s personal name originally appeared thousands of times throughout the Bible. Many translations include it at Psalm 83:18, which says: “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth.”​—King James Version.

Jehovah God has feelings that are affected by the actions of humans. After Jehovah liberated the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt, they at times ignored his wise counsel. Their rebellious course made him “feel hurt.” Their actions “pained even the Holy One of Israel.”​—Psalm 78:40, 41.

Jehovah cares for us as individuals. Speaking to his disciples, Jesus said: “Do not two sparrows sell for a coin of small value? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore have no fear: you are worth more than many sparrows.”​—Matthew 10:29-31.

God does not favor one race or culture over another. The apostle Paul told Greeks in Athens that God “made out of one man every nation of men, to dwell upon the entire surface of the earth.” He also stated that God “is not far off from each one of us.” (Acts 17:26, 27) The apostle Peter said: “God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.”​—Acts 10:34, 35.

WHAT IS THE REWARD? Some have “a zeal for God; but not according to accurate knowledge.” (Romans 10:2) If you know what the Bible really teaches about God, you will avoid being misled and will be able to “draw close to God.”​—James 4:8.

For more information, see chapter 1, “What Is the Truth About God?,” in the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?a

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One way to gain knowledge of God is to look at the things he has made

3 Learn the Truth About Jesus

“God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.”​—John 3:16.

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE? Some would have you believe that Jesus was not a real person. Others acknowledge that he existed but assert that he was just an ordinary man who has long been dead.

HOW CAN YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGE? Imitate the disciple Nathanael.a His friend Philip told him that he thought he had found the Messiah​—“Jesus, the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” However, Nathanael did not just take Philip’s word for it. In fact, he replied: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Even so, he accepted Philip’s invitation to “come and see” for himself. (John 1:43-51) You too will benefit from examining for yourself the evidence regarding Jesus. What can you do?

Investigate the historical evidence that Jesus was a real person. Josephus and Tacitus were two respected historians who lived in the first century and were not Christians. They mention Jesus Christ as a historical figure. Describing how Roman Emperor Nero blamed the Christians for the fire in Rome in 64 C.E., Tacitus wrote: “Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus [Christ], from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus.”

Regarding the references made by first- and second-century historians to Jesus and the early Christians, the Encyclopædia Britannica, 2002 Edition, says: “These independent accounts prove that in ancient times even the opponents of Christianity never doubted the historicity of Jesus, which was disputed for the first time and on inadequate grounds at the end of the 18th, during the 19th, and at the beginning of the 20th centuries.” In 2002, an editorial in The Wall Street Journal stated: “Most scholars, barring the stray atheist, have already accepted Jesus of Nazareth as a historical person.”

Consider the proof that Jesus was resurrected. When Jesus was arrested by his opposers, his closest companions abandoned him, and his friend Peter fearfully denied knowing him. (Matthew 26:55, 56, 69-75) After Jesus’ arrest, his followers scattered. (Matthew 26:31) Then, suddenly, his disciples sprang into action. Peter and John courageously faced the very men who contrived Jesus’ death. Jesus’ disciples became so motivated that they spread his teaching throughout the Roman Empire, preferring to face death rather than compromise their beliefs.

What was one reason for this drastic change in attitude? The apostle Paul explains that Jesus was raised from the dead and “appeared to Cephas [Peter], then to the twelve.” Paul adds: “After that he appeared to upward of five hundred brothers at one time.” The majority of the eyewitnesses were still alive at the time Paul penned those words. (1 Corinthians 15:3-7) The testimony of one or two eyewitnesses may have been easy for skeptics to dismiss. (Luke 24:1-11) But the testimony of more than five hundred eyewitnesses provided compelling evidence that Jesus was raised from the dead.

WHAT IS THE REWARD? Those who have faith in Jesus and obey him can have their sins forgiven and can maintain a clean conscience. (Mark 2:5-12; 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Peter 3:16-22) If they die, Jesus promises to resurrect them “at the last day.”​—John 6:40.

For more information, see chapter 4, “Who Is Jesus Christ?,” and chapter 5, “The Ransom​—God’s Greatest Gift,” in the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?b

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Like Nathanael, investigate the evidence about Jesus

4 Face Your Doubts

“You with little faith, why did you give way to doubt?”​—Matthew 14:31.

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE? Even Jesus’ disciples at times gave way to doubt. (Matthew 14:30; Luke 24:36-39; John 20:24, 25) In fact, the Bible describes lack of faith as “the sin that easily entangles us.” (Hebrews 12:1) The apostle Paul wrote: “Faith is not a possession of all people.” (2 Thessalonians 3:2) Not that some are incapable of exercising this quality. Rather, many do not work to acquire it. God will bless the efforts of those who do.

HOW CAN YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGE? Identify issues that cause you to doubt. For instance, the disciple Thomas doubted that Jesus was resurrected, even though other disciples said that they had seen him. Thomas wanted proof. The result? Jesus provided him with the evidence he needed to have strong faith.​—John 20:24-29.

By means of the Bible, Jehovah God provides the answers we need to remove our doubts. For example, many lose faith in God because they either directly or indirectly blame him for the wars, violence, and misery that afflict mankind. What does the Bible say on this matter?

God does not rule through human governments. Jesus referred to the invisible spirit named Satan as “the ruler of the world.” (John 14:30) Satan offered Jesus authority over all the kingdoms of the earth for one act of worship, saying: “I will give you all this authority and the glory of them, because it has been delivered to me, and to whomever I wish I give it.” Jesus did not deny that Satan had such authority. Instead, He said: “It is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’” (Luke 4:5-8) It is Satan and human governments that are to blame for the world’s suffering, not God.​—Revelation 12:9, 12.

Soon Jehovah God will remove all causes of suffering. He has already arranged for a Kingdom, or government, under his Son, Christ Jesus, to rule mankind. (Matthew 6:9, 10; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28) In fulfillment of Bible prophecy, the good news about this Kingdom is now being preached throughout the earth. (Matthew 24:14) Soon this Kingdom will remove all who oppose it and will eliminate the causes of human suffering.​—Daniel 2:44; Matthew 25:31-33, 46; Revelation 21:3, 4.

WHAT IS THE REWARD? Those who give way to doubt are like waves that are tossed about by “every wind of teaching by means of the trickery of men.” (Ephesians 4:14; 2 Peter 2:1) In contrast, those who find satisfying answers to their questions are able to “stand firm in the faith.”​—1 Corinthians 16:13.

Jehovah’s Witnesses, the publishers of this journal, would like to help you find answers to questions that may challenge your faith. They invite you to associate with them and examine their teachings for yourself. Your doing so will greatly strengthen your faith in God.

For more information, see chapter 8, “What Is God’s Kingdom?,” and chapter 11, “Why Does God Allow Suffering?,” in the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?a

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Those who find satisfying answers to their questions have a solid basis for their faith