The Spirit of Faith

The Spirit of Faith

“But since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak . . . .” 2 Cor. 4:13.

Paul was not the only one; there were others with him who believed and spoke in this exalted and blessed spirit. In this spirit, life becomes rich and interesting. Unbelief, doubt, and anxiety are excluded in this spirit. This spirit overcomes the world and all other spirits that have power in the world. No one has been put to shame in this spirit—neither in the old nor in the new covenant.

Fear and cowardice are not found in the spirit of faith. This spirit of faith dwelt in all the heroes of faith we read about in Hebrews 11; this spirit also dwelt in Stephen when he saw an open heaven in the midst of a hail of stones. Many martyrs have followed him in this same spirit; they are all gathering in the same place, and their reward will be abundant.

Jesus is the author and finisher of faith. He overcame all the desires of the flesh—the very point on which everyone before Him had suffered defeat. He has invited us to follow Him in the same spirit of faith and victory. This is an enthusiastic spirit, full of peace and joy. In this spirit we rely fully and unreservedly on the God of miracles and His Word, and we rejoice in perfect rest. In this spirit we have anchored our hope in heaven and in nothing on this earth. This is why we cannot be disappointed or discouraged in this spirit. The possessor of this spirit stands on high and holy ground. He sees the glory behind an illness, behind sufferings and tribulations, and speaks the word of faith to himself and others on the basis of Romans 8:28 and 1 Corinthians 10:13 among other verses. The bride lives in this spirit of faith, and we read about her that “strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.” Prov. 31:25. This is the way she is, regardless of the times.

The spirit of faith leads us to perfect unity with everyone who possesses it. It leads to eternal joy and glory, whereas the spirit of unbelief leads to emptiness and eternal darkness.

Jesus strongly desires to give this spirit to those who want it in order to live in it. In this spirit of faith we are kept by the power of God for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Pet. 1:5.