By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (Hebrews 11:3 ESV)
Faith is not Reason
I have enjoyed coffee for many years. But one year, not too long ago, I had a cup of espresso. However you might define espresso, at its core it is coffee that is extra coffee-ish.
A young man that I coached on the football team was the strongest kid in school. But over the summer, he did weight training and became even stronger. He was the strongest-er kid in school, then.
Way back when I was in high school, we were required to take a typing class. I seemed unable type without looking at the keys, but nonetheless I was the fastest typist in that class. The teacher did not approve of my eye-focus, and threatened to fail me. But she said if I could, with my poor typing process, improve my speed even more, she would give me an A. I worked hard, still peeking, and improved my speed. I was then the fastest-er typist.
Faith, however, is not like that. Christians attain knowledge by two means: reason, and Faith. Because Faith seems too nebulous and subjective to satisfy our modern western minds, we often diminish Faith to be simply stronger and better and more sure reason.
But Faith and reason are different types of fish. And the blessing, gift, and result of Faith should encourage us to hold the two in separate hands.
God grants us Faith in Him and His Word when reason falters. (And He gives us reason for those times when Faith falters.)
We need Faith when unexplainable tragedy overwhelms our minds. We need Faith when our senses seem to disagree with God’s Word. We need Faith when our world, our minds, and our experience shout at us to FEAR NOW, but God’s Word and Spirt sing to FEAR NOT.
And one particular flavor of Faith is the most necessary of all. Perhaps it could be termed Faith-est. When it comes to our salvation, reason does not lead us to trusting Christ. Reason does not prove to us the existence of God nor grace. Reason does not comfort our hearts with the absolute presence of Christ.
And thus, we get to have the gift of Faith from God.
In fact, it is the only way to know Him.
Faith Alone