Saturday, March 21, 2009

Does God have faith?

I have my own opinion mostly formed, but there's some debate about texts.

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

It seems to me that if God has 'dealt' (alternately: divided to...) men a measure of faith. From where did he divide it? Even if it came from another creature, then where did their faith come from? It seems that faith had to come from God's supply. But then is it like a so-called vestigial organ, something he has on hand to give to others or is it something he himself exercises?

Does God have a quality that he doesn't use? I can't imagine that being true. He's perfect, can he have more than he needs or does he have exactly what he needs?

It seems to me then that God must not just have faith, but use faith. My thought then is that faith has nothing to do with expectation, but potential. After all God cannot expect anything! He can still then believe in what can happen. For example, does God ever command what can't be done? If all commandments could be kept than he commands them on our ability (with him of course) to obey, yet sometimes we do not obey. I would say this is faith, he believes we can obey (and he is right).

I tend to view God to us as a very mirroring relationship. All of God's commands stem from "because I am the LORD" the implication being related to our being in his image. Or...

Joh 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

Therefore, to have faith we must have seen faith. Its a circle of God showing and us following. God loves us so that we can love him and each other. God shows faith so we can have faith in him and each other. God gives life so we can give life. And in all steps its him through us. God perfecting love, faith, giving life through us.

Thoughts?