By Faith – The Firm Assurance
Pastor Tan Thai · Jan 22, 2011
This sermon explores the foundation, object, and assurance of Christian faith, from the story of Martin Luther to an exposition of Hebrews 11:1. The pastor emphasizes that faith has no value in itself, but derives its worth from its proper object: the Triune God and the Scriptures.
The sermon opens with the historical account of Martin Luther, the German monk who nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in 1517, condemning the Roman Catholic Church's practice of selling indulgences to fund the construction of Saint Peter's Basilica. The Scripture 'the righteous shall live by faith' liberated Luther from spiritual torment and became the foundation of the Reformation. From this, the pastor poses the fundamental questions for the congregation: what do we believe, in whom do we believe, and why can we believe it?
The pastor clearly establishes that the foundation of Christian faith is Scripture, since only through Scripture do we come to know the Triune God and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The object of Christian faith is summarized through the Apostles' Creed, encompassing God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Numerous real-life illustrations are used to demonstrate that faith placed in a wrong object—no matter how strong—leads to painful and worthless consequences.
The second part of the sermon addresses the importance of faith in human life. The pastor argues that all people need faith to live meaningfully, to sustain relationships, and especially to receive salvation. Ephesians 2:8 is cited to affirm that salvation comes by grace through faith, not by good works or merit.
Hebrews 11:1-2 and 11:6 are expounded to show that genuine faith is not a vague feeling but a 'firm assurance' about things not yet seen, grounded in the unchanging, faithful, and almighty nature of God. The pastor refutes three common misconceptions about faith: that strong faith equals strong emotions, that strong faith means prosperity and miracles, and that true faith never involves doubt.
The vivid illustration of tightrope walker Charles Blondin and Niagara Falls is used to demonstrate the difference between verbal belief and true faith expressed through committed action. Harry Colcord, the manager who dared to ride on Blondin's back, represents faith rooted in certain knowledge of a trustworthy object. The sermon concludes that Christian faith is the complete entrusting of one's life into God's hands before seeing the outcome.