Understanding the Real Heart of Faith
Let’s talk plainly about something a lot of people wonder about: can faith be taught, or is it something deeper? In the book of Hebrews, we read a promise from God that one day, everyone will know Him—no need for someone else to say, “This is what God is like.” God says, “I’ll be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and iniquities I’ll remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:11-12).
Many people ask: Can religion really be taught? Can salvation simply be handed out like a certificate for passing a class? Here’s where things get interesting.
Teaching Is Important, But Not Enough
I believe teaching the values and stories of the Bible is good and necessary. Our kids should learn “Obey your parents,” “Don’t lie,” “Don’t steal,” and all the lessons that build character. Sunday School, Bible stories, learning right from wrong—these are things every child can benefit from.
But there’s a danger in thinking that just because someone knows the facts—can recite verses, pass a test, or say “I believe”—that they’ve had a real change inside. You can dunk someone in water, sprinkle them, or have them join every Sunday service, but if their life hasn’t really changed—if their heart isn’t new—then it’s just going through the motions.
What’s of Man—and What’s of God
What’s “of man” is everything we can do to teach, instruct, or pressure someone into being religious. We can make a person act a certain way, or believe certain things, but we can’t create real spiritual life inside them. Just like no lesson can make a baby be born, no lesson can make someone truly come alive spiritually.
But what’s “of God” is different. That’s when something happens inside—when God gives a person a new heart and a new spirit. It’s not just learning, it’s living. The true Christian doesn’t just know about God—they know Him, and their life shows it. When someone has truly come alive in faith, they start living in a new way, wanting to do what’s right, and calling out to God with a natural, heartfelt cry.
The Miracle of New Life
It’s a miracle, really. You can teach someone about God, but only God can give real spiritual life. Teaching helps people know how to live and what to believe, but real faith is something that springs up inside—like a plant growing from a new seed.
As one old writer said, “Man’s highest perfection is union with God in consummate love, a destiny so high, and so pure…it cannot be known or imagined as it really is.” The journey to God’s presence began long ago, even back in the days of Adam and Eve, and all of history has been moving toward this: ordinary people, filled with new life, enjoying the presence of God.
In Conclusion
So yes, we should teach, guide, and encourage. But we must know the difference between what people can do and what only God can do. Religion, rules, and rituals are helpful, but they can’t create new life. Real faith happens when God changes someone’s heart. That’s the difference between what is of man, and what is truly of God.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 