Climbing the Mountain of Faith: Understanding Biblical Faithfulness

Imagine standing at the base of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park - 3,200 feet of sheer granite rising to the sky. For climber Alex Honnold, conquering this mountain without ropes required nearly a decade of preparation, memorizing every crack and ledge until muscle memory took over.

But there's something even more impressive than this death-defying climb: according to Hebrews, we as believers have come to Mount Zion where Christ has already scaled the unscalable wall of sin and death on our behalf.

What Does Biblical Faithfulness Really Mean?

Faithfulness in Scripture operates on three levels that work together to shape our spiritual lives.

Faithfulness as God's Character

First, faithfulness is rooted in God's very nature. He always does what is right, at the perfect time, for His glory. God makes promises He can never break - He is the definition of faithfulness itself: steady, reliable, sure, and full of integrity.

Faithfulness as Spiritual Fruit

Second, the Spirit energizes our faith in Christ to do the right things at the right time for the right reasons. This isn't something we manufacture through willpower - it's fruit that grows from our relationship with Jesus.

Faithfulness as Personal Character

Third, faithfulness describes someone marked by steady, faith-filled obedience. This person is reliable and dependable, persevering even when no one is watching, devoted in ways that move them toward godly action.

Why Do We Struggle with Faithfulness?

The opposite of faithfulness is neglect - being unreliable, fickle, wishy-washy. Neglect ignores God and His Word, downplays Gospel promises, and renders us ineffective for God's purposes.

The early church faced severe persecution and was tempted to look back at their former way of life, thinking it would be easier to return to what was comfortable and less risky. Similarly, we can find it hard to be Christians when it makes us stand out or seems costly.

How Do We Develop Lasting Faithfulness?

Biblical faithfulness lives in the tension between two errors: it's neither about trying harder through sheer willpower nor passively letting go of all effort. Instead, it's grace that works and effort that depends on grace.

Draw Near to God (Hebrews 10:19-22)

Faithfulness flows from our relationship with God. Through Christ's blood, we now have confidence to enter God's presence - something that was previously impossible under the Old Testament system.

The temple curtain that once separated people from God's presence was torn from top to bottom when Jesus died. This wasn't accidental - God Himself removed the barrier. Now anyone can enter God's presence through Jesus' sacrifice.

We're commanded to draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. This means:

•  Coming with honesty and sincerity
• Believing we can approach God because of Christ's work
• Having our hearts cleansed from guilty consciences
• Receiving the new birth that comes through the new covenant

Maybe you've been distant, distracted, or ashamed. Jesus is there for you in a way no human being can be. He wants you to draw near - not reluctantly, but joyfully welcoming you into His presence.

Hold Fast to Your Confession (Hebrews 10:23)

We must hold fast to our public confession of hope without wavering. This confession can waver for two main reasons:

Persecution or Opposition: When facing pressure, it might seem easier to shrink back rather than boldly proclaim what's true.

Doubts: We can't physically see or touch Jesus like the disciples could. The world whispers that we're missing out by following Jesus, and during unhappy seasons, we might wonder if He's really as great as Scripture claims.

God is big enough to handle our doubts, but He's also vast enough to answer them. The key is bracing yourself in God's Word rather than listening to worldly voices that counsel you away from faith.

Stir One Another Up (Hebrews 10:24-25)

We're commanded to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together. This isn't just about what we get from church - it's about what we give.

A post-pandemic survey revealed that people who consider themselves part of the church now attend just over once a month. While this might be sufficient for personal spiritual fuel, it makes obedience to Hebrews impossible since relationships require investment of time, proximity, and priority.

Your presence matters. After encountering you, people should leave more loving toward others and more engaged to serve Christ. You could be the encouragement someone needs to:

• Help a discouraged mom see the glory of her work
• Encourage someone whose faith is wavering after tragedy
• Support someone crushed by burdens
• Give younger Christians a vision of long-term obedience

What's the Urgency Behind Faithfulness?

We're to do this "all the more as you see the day drawing near" - referring to Christ's return. Whether through death or the King's return, we have limited time. The mindset should be: "I need to come to church to help my family keep climbing up the mountain."

Application

Faithfulness is steady devotion to Christ rooted in Christ's work, strengthened by His presence and promises, and spurred on by His people.

This week, make it your aim to encourage at least one person every time you gather with other believers. Don't settle for good intentions - let them drive action. Ask about someone's life, inquire how you can pray for them, and enter into their world.

By God's grace, we never have to "free solo" the Christian life. Christ has already scaled the unscalable wall for us and stands victorious. We secure our ropes to His finished work, drawing near, holding fast to His promises, and climbing together until we reach the summit of His glory.

Questions for Reflection:

• Am I drawing near to God regularly through prayer and His Word, or have I been distant due to shame or distraction?
• When doubts arise about my faith, do I turn to Scripture for answers or listen to worldly voices?
• How am I actively stirring up other believers to love and good works when we gather together?
• What specific step can I take this week to encourage someone in their faith journey?