Naked Faith
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.
Most of us are familiar with this very well known definition of faith. We have heard it read in the pulpits many times and have studied it in our Sabbath School lessons as well as reading it ourselves. The part I want to focus on is the final two words, “not seen.” These two words are sometimes not understood. When I use the word, “Naked,” it is a word that has two uses in the English language. It is used to describe the condition of a person with no clothing on, or when observing something, we use the term, “naked eye” to mean that something was observed without the use of a microscope, telescope or any other instrument. So how does this word relate to faith? It is quite simple – faith without the use of any other “instruments”; faith that is not clothed with any thing that is seen.
When Jesus first began His ministry He went to Jerusalem for the Passover after performing His first miracle in Cana. Here in Jerusalem He performed many more miracles, although they are not specified by’ name. “Now’ when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.” John 2:23. Only after witnessing the miracles did they believe. We see this true many times during His earthly ministry. Many flocked to Him when they saw His miracles and this troubled Jesus at times.
Even Herod asked for a miracle so he would believe on Jesus when he had Jesus in his court. He brought in the sick people and asked Jesus to heal them Jesus refused. He came to draw men to the beauty of the truth and to a change of heart and this is only possible with naked faith. It is not possible through outward manifestations of His power. These are often done to confirm a person’s faith – not to create faith in a person.
Nobleman’s son
Jesus’ second miracle outside of Judea was the healing of the nobleman’s son. Now this nobleman had not witnessed any miracles. He had only heard what was done in Jerusalem. He lived in Capernaum and when he heard that Jesus was in Cana he decided to go and ask Jesus to heal his son for his son was at the point of death. When he first met Jesus, “his faith faltered when he saw only a plainly dressed man, dusty and worn with travel. He doubted that this Person could do what he had come to ask of Him; yet he secured an interview with Jesus, told his errand, and besought the Savior to accompany him to his home.” DA 197. But Jesus knew what was the condition of this man’s faith. It was not naked faith – it was a faith that was clothed with outward evidences that he had put there for Jesus to fulfill, before he could exercise the faith within. Jesus knew that he, “had, in his own mind, made conditions concerning his belief in Jesus. Unless his petition should be granted, he would not receive Him as the Messiah. While the officer waited in an agony of suspense, Jesus said, “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” Even though he had many evidences that Jesus was the Messiah he made his faith conditional on his request being granted. We see this happen so many times today. I’ve studied with, and spoken to, Christians who refuse to take the Bible truth as written. The Sabbath is presented so beautifully and clearly, but unless they receive a divine revelation from God telling them, “Now it is time to keep the Sabbath,” they will not believe. It is true also with health reform and other truths. Unless God audibly speaks it and puts it in our heart, the words in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy are not sufficient for their froth. If it is written, God may never give such evidence – the evidence in His Word should be enough for any true Christian.
Getting back to the nobleman, he “had a degree of faith; for he had come to ask what seemed to him the most precious of all blessings. Jesus had a greater gift to bestow. He desired, not only to heal the child, but to make the officer and his household sharers in the blessings of salvation, and to kindle a light in Capernaum, which was soon to be the field of His own labors.
“Like a flash of light, the Savior’s words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared to him in its true character. In deep ‘distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. hi an agony of supplication he cried, ‘Sir come down ere my child die.’ His faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob, when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.’ Gen. 22:26.” DA 198
Just like Jacob this nobleman prevailed and Jesus saw his need and desperation so He said, “Go thy, way, thy son liveth.” The nobleman left the presence of Jesus a changed man, He brought the glad tidings to his city that not only was his son healed, but that Jesus was the Messiah. He and his entire household became disciples of Jesus. The news that this nobleman brought home prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum.
“He who blessed the nobleman at Capernaum is just as desirous of blessing us~ But like the afflicted father, we are often led to seek Jesus by the desire for some earthly good; and upon the granting of our request we rest our confidence in His love. The Savior longs to give us greater blessing than we ask; and He delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts, and our deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the selfishness that leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love.
“The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he should believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was heard and the blessing granted. This lesson we also have to learn. Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe. We are to trust in ‘:His promises. When we come to ~ in faith, every petition enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we ‘have received it. Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most. When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are answered, God will do for us ‘exceeding abundantly,’ ‘acc9rding to the riches of His glory,’ and ‘working of His mighty power.’ Ephes.3:20:l6; 1:19. DA 200.
The Woman at the Well
Jesus contrasted the faith of this nobleman with that of the Samaritan woman to whom He had recently spoken to. She asked for no sign, and neither did any of her countrymen. His word was enough to reach their hearts. “As the woman talked with Jesus, she was impressed with His words. Never had she heard such sentiments from the priests or her own people or from the Jews… As the woman heard these words, faith sprang up in her heart. She accepted the wonderful announcement from the lips of the divine Teacher.
“The woman was in an appreciative state of mind. She was ready to receive the noblest revelation; for she was interested in the Scriptures. And the Holy Spirit had been preparing her mind to receive more light.” DA 189,190.
And what did she long for? Was it a miracle? “She longed to understand this prophecy. Light was already flashing into her mind. The water of life, the spiritual life, which Christ gives to every thirsty soul, had begun to spring up in her heart. The Spirit of the Lord was working with her.” DA 190. How sad Jesus was that His own people had such little faith. “The plain statements made by Christ to this woman could not have been made to the self-righteous Jews. Christ was far more reserved when He spoke to them. That which had been withheld from the Jews, and which the disciples were afterward enjoined to keep secret, was revealed to her. Jesus saw that she would make use of her knowledge in bringing others to share His grace. The woman had been filled with joy as she listened to Christ’s words. The wonderful revelation was almost overpowering. Leaving her waterpot, she returned to the city, to carry the message to others.” DA 190,191. For her, the words of truth were enough. She had naked faith in the Word of God.
The Centurion’s Servant
Later in His ministry when the Centurion’s servant was healed in Capernaum, Jesus marveled at his faith. He had not seen such great faith – no not in Israel. This man was a Gentile, raised in the heathenism and idolatry of Rome, trained as a soldier, cut off from any possibility of a spiritual life due to the bigotry of the Jews. How could this man have greater faith then did the Jews who had the light of the Old Testament Scriptures in their possession? Yet he had heard of the Jewish religion and in it he saw that it was superior to his own. He had not seen Jesus before, but all the reports he heard inspired his faith. He was a humble man. He, at first, was fearful to approach Jesus face-to-face and sent some Jewish elders to Jesus to speak for him. Then Jesus started walking to his house. He became alarmed since he felt unworthy for Jesus to come into his house so he went to meet Jesus ~d simply said, “Speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.” His faith took hold on Christ in His true character. He did not believe in Him simply as a miracle worker, but as a friend and Saviour of all mankind.
The Syrophoenician woman
This woman had not seen any miracles, she only had heard about Him from the many Jews who were living in Phoenicia. She had heard of His wonderful prophet, who, it was reported, “healed all manner of diseases.” Being a Gentile she understood the prejudice of the Jewish people, but her faith in God was a naked faith. She knew that Jesus was full of love and He would heal her daughter. “Jesus had just departed from His field of labor because the scribes and Pharisees were seeking to take His life. They murmured and complained. They manifested unbelief and bitterness, and refused the salvation so freely offered them. Here Christ meets one of an unfortunate and despised race, that has not been favored with the light of God’s word; yet she yields at once to the divine influence of Christ, and has implicit faith in His ability to grant the favor she asks.” DA 401.Her request was granted and her daughter was healed according to her faith.
At Bethesda
Then there is the man at the pool of Bethesda. His faith did not falter at the crucial moment. Jesus came to him and simply said, “Wilt thou be made whole?” For 38 years this man had been sick and his illness was his own fault. He had seen no mercy from the Pharisees. I am sure his conscience was terribly guilt ridden. If only he could have his sins forgiven and have peace in his heart then he could die with a heavenly hope. However the Jewish system offered him no hope. Then Jesus came along with the question and this poor sick man simply responded wearily to Jesus by saying, “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.” He had faith in the healing power of the water, but now he was in the presence of someone greater. Jesus responded, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” This man waited for no second invitation. He didn’t stop to reason in his mind as to how this would be possible. This was so different from what he had been hearing from the Jewish leaders for all those long and lonesome years. Here was someone who was speaking hope to him. This man jumped up and did as he was told. Later he met Jesus in the temple who told him to, “sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”
“Through the same faith we may receive spiritual healing. By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. There are many who realize their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God; they are vainly striving to obtain it. In despair they cry, ‘0 wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this body of death?’ Rom. 7:24. Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Savior is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, ‘Wilt thou be made whole?’ He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe His word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side of Christ.. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart to the soul that is ‘dead in trespasses.’ Eph. 2: 1. He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin.” DA 203.
Thousands were present when Jesus fed the multitude after the Sermon on the Mount. Many lined the streets when Jesus rode on the donkey into Jerusalem. When it was popular, they believed. But how many were beside Him when He died on the cross?
How many believed His words that He had spoken many times, that He would die, but would rise again? They needed naked faith in order to believe this and they all forsook Him.
As we approach the time of the end people will need to accept the truth with naked faith. God’s church does not have large cathedrals to worship in. There are no large hospitals or schools to prove that we are doing God’s work. There are simple, humble people, worshipping in simple dwellings. They are scattered around the world – a few here and a few there. Could these be God’s people today? The nobleman’s faith faltered when he first saw Jesus – a simple, plainly dressed man. And many today have their faith clothed with outward garments. They must see the outward signs in order to believe. The Word of God is not enough. It was enough for the woman of Samaria, but for many it is not.
Many lose faith when they are told to “Sin no more lest a worse thing come upon thee.” Or “Be ye therefore perfect even as your father in heaven is perfect.” Mat. 5:48. They don’t believe that, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phil. 4:13. They don’t believe that a God who made this world in six days and who sustains the universe daily. is able to have the power to change their corrupt and sinful hearts, giving them a heart of flesh that will sin no more even though the promise has been made, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Ezk. 36:26. They don’t have naked faith. They will only believe when they see ‘the miracles’. The problem is that no miracle will be performed in this regard unless we first exercise faith. The majority of the Christian world throw out this concept of overcoming all sin as an impossibility and call God’s people legalistic fanatics for attempting what they view as an impossibility.
We will need naked faith when we come to the end of time in the near future. When the Sunday laws are in the land we will see friends and relatives turn against us and our properties taken – we will have no earthly support left. However Jesus promised to sustain us. “Bread and water is all that is promised to the remnant in the time of trouble.” LDE, p. 265. Some are thrown into prison, some flee to the mountains to be “defended by angels in the form of men of war. GC 631. It will take naked faith if we want to prove faithful during these trying times as all earthly support will be cut off. “This small remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshaled by the dragon host, make God their defense.” 5T 212. And if they prove faithful through this long night of trouble, Jesus will soon appear to bring them the reality of the hope they have held onto by faith – naked faith. Jesus is coming soon when our faith will be made sight so “look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28
AMEN