Topic 1 of 33 - Your Place in the Learning Journey
Faith and Biblical Study
Did you know that faith and superstition can sometimes look similar on the surface? Both involve confidence in what cannot be seen or empirically verified, and both are often mocked by those who trust only what can be measured. Both expect meaningful outcomes that lie beyond human control.
But they part ways at the intersection of knowledge and understanding. Faith is grounded in the knowledge of God. It's a knowledge revealed in the pages of Holy Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Each biblical narrative unveils something of God’s character, humanity’s condition, and God’s dealings with His people. Through Scripture we come to know God, understand God, and relate to God. Faith rests on this revealed knowledge.
Superstition has no such foundation. Superstition is belief without revelation, confidence without knowledge, expectation without relationship. It attempts to navigate life by signs, rituals, or fears rather than by understanding the truths of God revealed in the scriptures. Biblical faith is not superstition. However, if one's “faith” lacks the biblical knowledge of God, then it really is superstition masquerading as faith. Don't be fooled by the charade. One must learn of God through the scriptures to form biblical faith.
So if someone wants to discern whether their faith is genuine or merely camouflaged superstition, they must examine the foundation of their belief: Is it rooted in the Biblical understanding of God revealed in Scripture?
Since faith is necessary to please God, and genuine faith strengthens both ourselves and others, we should continually seek to deepen it. And faith grows through ongoing study of the Scriptures, where God makes Himself known.