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The Integral Role of Understanding in Faith

Making disciples is a multifaceted process that involves not just the heart but the mind as well. Romans 10:14 underscores the necessity of hearing the Word as a precursor to belief: “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how will they hear without someone to preach?” This passage highlights the critical first step in the journey of faith—receiving and understanding the message of the Gospel.

The Process of Reasoning and Persuasion

Paul’s Approach to Evangelism
- The Apostle Paul’s ministry exemplified the process of reasoning, explaining, proving, and persuading individuals about the truths of Christianity. Acts 17:2-3 describes how Paul, as was his custom, went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days, he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. Paul’s method involved a logical presentation of the Gospel, appealing to the intellect and understanding of his listeners.
The Need for Comprehension
- Understanding is pivotal in moving someone to accept Christ. Knowledge of biblical truth lays the foundation for belief and obedience. As stated in 1 Timothy 2:3-4, “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” A real and broad knowledge of Bible truth is essential for nurturing faith.

The Threefold Requirement for Discipleship

Knowledge
- Knowledge of biblical truth is indispensable. Without a deep understanding of the Scriptures, individuals cannot truly grasp the essence of the Gospel or the character of God.
Belief
- Belief follows knowledge. Hebrews 11:6 asserts, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Faith is a response to the knowledge of God revealed in His Word.
Obedience
- True faith manifests in obedience. Acts 17:30-31 calls all people to repent because God has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness. Repentance—a turning away from sin—is an act of obedience that stems from belief.

Steps to Becoming a Well-Grounded Christian

Obtaining Knowledge: A comprehensive understanding of biblical truth is foundational.
Exercising Faith: Putting faith in the learned truths is crucial for a relationship with God.
Repentance and Conversion: Recognizing one’s sinfulness and turning to God in repentance is vital.
Dedication: A personal commitment to follow Christ, as Jesus himself commanded in Matthew 16:24.
Baptism: An outward expression of inward faith and dedication, as demonstrated throughout the New Testament.

The Pathway to Discipleship

Making disciples is an intricate process that engages both the mind and the heart. It begins with hearing the Word of God, progresses through understanding and belief, and culminates in obedience and commitment. This journey underscores the necessity of a comprehensive approach to evangelism and discipleship, one that involves reasoning, explaining, proving, and persuading based on the Scriptures. As individuals move from comprehension to understanding, and ultimately to acceptance and dedication, they embark on a lifelong journey of faith, growth, and service in the Kingdom of God.

Engaging the Heart and Mind: Refuting Misconceptions in Discipleship

Counterargument 1: Faith is Only a Matter of the Heart

Misconception: Some argue that faith and acceptance of Christ occur solely in the heart, sidelining the role of the intellect and understanding.

Refutation: While the heart symbolizes the center of emotional life and decision-making, the Bible does not dichotomize the heart and mind in matters of faith. Mark 12:30 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” This commandment underscores a holistic approach to faith that involves the entire being, including the intellect. Understanding the content of faith is crucial for a genuine commitment to Christ.

Counterargument 2: Knowledge Puffs Up

Misconception: Based on 1 Corinthians 8:1b, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up,” some conclude that pursuing in-depth knowledge of the Bible is unnecessary or even detrimental to genuine faith.

Refutation: This interpretation misapplies Paul’s caution against knowledge that leads to arrogance. The broader biblical narrative encourages believers to grow in knowledge and understanding. Colossians 1:9-10 expresses a desire that believers be “filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,” leading to a life worthy of the Lord. Knowledge that humbles us and deepens our dependence on God is both necessary and beneficial.

Counterargument 3: The Spirit Alone Guides Us to Faith

Misconception: Another viewpoint holds that the Holy Spirit alone is responsible for converting hearts, rendering human reasoning and biblical knowledge secondary or irrelevant.

Refutation: While it is true that the Holy Spirit convicts and converts, Scripture also emphasizes the role of hearing, understanding, and responding to the gospel message. Romans 10:17 states, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” The Spirit works through the proclaimed and understood Word, making the engagement of the mind in understanding Scripture indispensable in the process of coming to faith.

Counterargument 4: Intellectual Assent is Not Necessary for Salvation

Misconception: Some suggest that intellectual assent to biblical truths is not necessary for salvation—implying that a simple, uncomprehended faith suffices.

Refutation: True biblical faith is not blind faith but is based on the historical reality of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Acts 17:11 praises the Bereans who received the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. Their faith was commended because it was informed and reasoned, not uninformed and unexamined.

Conclusion: A Balanced View of Faith

Understanding and accepting the gospel requires the engagement of both the heart and the mind. To reduce faith to an emotional experience without intellectual understanding, or vice versa, is to miss the biblical model of discipleship. The journey of faith begins with hearing the Word, which must then be comprehended and believed. This process involves the whole person, including the intellect and emotions, leading to a well-rounded, robust faith. Thus, making disciples entails equipping individuals with a deep understanding of biblical truths, fostering a faith that is both heartfelt and intellectually grounded.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).