Ephesians 6:16
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
The shield of faith is a very important component of the Christian’s armor. We are to put on the “whole armor of God,” (Eph. 6:10-18) because our Christian life is a life of warfare – a spiritual conflict. As Paul names the different parts of the Christian’s armor – when coming to the shield – he emphasizes its importance by saying “Above all, taking the shield of faith.”
With the shield of faith we are – “more than conquerors though Him that loved us.” Rom. 8:37
The importance of faith is seen in that:
1. We can NOT be saved without faith.
John 3:36
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
2. We can NOT live victoriously over the world without faith.
1 John 5:4
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
3. We can NOT please God without faith.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
4. We can NOT pray without faith!
James 1:6
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
5. We can NOT have peace with God without faith.
Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
6. We can NOT have joy without faith.
1 Peter 1:8
Whom having not seen, ye love; in Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
7. We are justified by faith and NOT by works.
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
8. We are to live by faith.
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.
9. We are made righteous by faith.
Romans 10:1-4
10 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
10. Christ dwells in our hearts by faith.
Ephesians 3:17
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love. . .
11. The Holy Spirit is received by faith.
Galatians 3:2
This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
12. Faith is important because it honors God – and God always honors faith.
The Vine Vigil 