1.4 Faith as mankind’s response to the revelations of God
1.4 Faith as mankind’s response to the revelations of God “You believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14: 1). Thus belief in God as revealed in His Son was also required in addition to belief in God as the om- nipotent Creator of heaven and earth, who had made a covenant with the people of Israel. The faith that is now required also entails keeping the word of Jesus Christ (John 8: 51; 14: 23). In the old covenant, the term “God, the Father” expressed God’s care for His people. Through Jesus Christ, however, it becomes evident that God is the Father of the only-begotten Son from eternity. Jesus Christ opens up the way for human beings to attain childhood in God and to be called as firstlings (see 10.1.3), through the rebirth out of water and the Spirit, that is by receiving Holy Baptism with water and Holy Sealing. These two prerequisites are not contingent on being a descendant of Abra- ham, but on believing in the Saviour and receiving all of the sacraments (Romans 3: 22, 29–30; Ephesians 2: 11–18). Being caught up to the Lord at His return is the direct expression of becoming a firstling. Firstlings are guar- anteed direct fellowship with God eternally. 1.4.3 Belief in God, the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit’s activity is already attested in the Old Testament: kings and prophets were guided by the Holy Spirit (Psalm 51: 11; Ezekiel 11: 5). According to the words of the Lord, the Holy Spirit’s activity in the New Testament is divine revelation (John 14: 16–17, 26). Here too, the only appro- priate response for mankind is faith, namely faith in the Spirit, who presently guides into all truth and reveals God’s will. 1.4.4 Faith and the sermon Jesus Christ made it clear that faith in Him and His gospel is brought about by accepting the word of His ambassadors, His Apostles: “As You sent Me into the world I also have sent them into the world. I do not pray for these 51 1 The revelations of God alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word” (John 17: 18, 20). The preaching of the gospel generates faith: “So then faith comes by hear- ing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10: 17). The Risen One commissioned His Apostles to preach the gospel to all na- tions and to observe His word (Matthew 28: 19–20). With reference to salva- tion and future redemption, it is a fundamental requirement to accept the preaching of the gospel in faith. Concerning this, Mark 16: 16 states: “He who believes and is baptised will be saved; but he who does not believe will be con- demned.” SUMMARY Faith is one of the fundamental realities of human life. (1.4) The basis and content of the Christian faith is the triune God. Whenever God reveals Himself, He calls upon human beings to believe. Faith is an act of grace on the part of God, which human beings are to put into practice in their lives. (1.4) In the old covenant, faith revolved around God, the Father, who revealed Himself as Creator, Protector, and Liberator. (1.4.1) With the incarnation of God, the Son, the Old Testament promises concern- ing the coming Messiah were fulfilled. Since then, faith is also required in God, who is not only the Creator, but who also reveals Himself in Jesus. Through the rebirth out of water and the Spirit, Jesus Christ opens up the way for human beings to attain childhood in God as well as the opportunity to attain the status of firstling. (1.4.2) Belief in God, the Holy Spirit, is the belief in the Spirit who currently leads into all truth and reveals God’s will. (1.4.3) The word of preaching of those sent by Jesus produces faith. In order to be saved, it is necessary to accept God’s word imparted through the sermon. (1.4.4) 52 Part 2 The Creed 2