Living in God Through Faith

INTRODUCTION

God can be known in a supernatural and natural way.

When you are willing to have faith, the knowledge of God is supernatural and you are able to possess life in God.

When you are unwilling to have faith, the knowledge is basic and you are unable to possess life in God.

The way you choose to relate to God has a profound impact on your life.

LIVING IN GOD THROUGH FAITH

All human persons have basic knowledge.  This basic knowledge is a gift from God which allows the person to know God and the world in a certain way.  This basic knowledge is present according to the will of God. 

Living in God calls for the human person to go beyond basic knowledge.  The human person can only go beyond basic knowledge by invitation from God.

The human person can unite reason and faith in God.  The human person can use their certain basic knowledge of God to have faith.

Faith

·       transcends natural barriers and allows the person to go from a natural relationship with God to a supernatural relationship.

·       is only possible through Jesus Christ who is “the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6).

This supernatural relationship is dynamic---for in God we live, move, and have being (Acts 17:28).  Jesus Christ, as the only-begotten Son of God, acts as mediator between God and the human person.  He is the only one who has authority to give life.  Without Jesus Christ there is no way, no truth, and no life.

Faith is the point of departure for those who are unwilling to correctly use reason.  Faith is an essential part of having a relationship with God.  The three theological virtues--faith, hope, and love--must all be present to exist in God.  Without faith there is no hope and love.

Having a real relationship with God allows the human person to be able to choose good, which is the desirable and righteousness.

Through the acknowledgement of truth, which is humility, the human person can live in God.  It is in this living in God through faith that a person is united to God and repaying love for love.

The Process of How Faith Leads to Life in God

Documenting the process involves the will and intellect.  Basic knowledge begins in the intellect.  It is through the will, in faith, that the person can progress to humility in the intellect.

The process from faith to humility involves the following as ordered: hope, love, trust, boldness, and good.

The good must be chosen by the will before moving to humility, which is the acknowledgement of truth, in the intellect.

Once humility is formed in the intellect, it is possible to journey to life in God.

This journey involves going from humility to life in God and includes the following as ordered: understanding, wisdom, and discernment. 

Proper discernment will lead to life in God.

CONCLUSION

Living in God is a gift to humanity that can only be accomplished through faith.  God has made humanity in his image and has destined humanity to be in his likeness.

Only through Jesus Christ is life in God possible.  Life in God requires the acceptance of truth and a willingness to live in truth.

You must responsibly use your talent to have eternal life.  This responsibility requires you to be willing to leave behind self in order to discover your true self.

The way to God is supernatural.  The way to God is available to all who seek it.  God has willed it to be so.