What’s in A Word: Faith
The definition of the word “faith” is the foundation of any remaining schism between Catholicism and Protestantism.
Up until 1522, faith meant agreeing with church doctrines.
Martin Luther redefined the word. He wrote, “Faith is a living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that man would die a thousand deaths for its sake.”
This definition requires a level of commitment for each Christian that surpasses the ordinary. Doctrine does not rule us. Faith in a forgiving and merciful God rules us.
How many of us would die a thousand deaths, relying on the grace of God?
Yet, this is what we preach. Here’s a discussion on the topic.
The Protestant Reformation was powerful because it interpreted scripture with fresh eyes.
As great a moment as this was in religious and cultural history, it was never expected to be the last. The leaders of the Reformation were scholars, explorers, and discoverers.
This challenge to an accepted definition of one word gives us a freeing foundation to think and act boldly within our faith, knowing that we serve a merciful and gracious God — not any one thinker of any age — no matter how great.
How are we using this gift?