How does a person who does not believe in God, or who has a different conception of God, become a believer in Jesus? It is not a purely an intellectual understanding, although most people who become Christians do so believing that all the available evidence points to the truth of their belief. It is not a purely emotional decision, although most people who become Christians do so passionately as well as intellectually. It is not purely a decision of will, although those who become Christians must not only believe but also decide to follow.
No-one can become a follower of Jesus without the work of the Holy Spirit, and so whenever a person becomes a believer , it is as a result of the Holy Spirit working in the person’s life simultaneously with the person’s intellect, emotions and will. This combination of forces was powerfully apparent on the day of Pentecost, as described in Chapter 2 of the Acts of the Apostles, when three thousand people joined the number of believers on one day.
First, the Holy Spirit appeared and filled the disciples. Then Peter spoke and presented the evidence in a manner which the audience found intellectually compelling. After that, the listeners were “cut to the heart”, demonstrating a high level of emotional engagement. Finally, “those who gladly received his word” made decisions to become followers.
One reply on “What causes faith?”
Grace causes faith.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you are saved through faith: and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, that no man may glory.