# The Higher Faith explained — Unspoken Sermons

> Chapter companion for Unspoken Sermons by George MacDonald.

## What happens

This chapter explores the nature of faith that goes beyond believing only what is explicitly stated in scripture, emphasizing trust in God Himself and the ongoing revelation of Christ through the Spirit. It contrasts the 'dull disciple' who limits faith to the letter of the Bible with the childlike believer who dares to ask, seek, and trust God for answers to questions not directly addressed in scripture, finding blessing in believing without seeing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Obedience

The chapter emphasizes a higher faith that trusts God beyond explicit promises, believing in Him rather than merely in what He has said, and daring to seek answers from Him.

### Revelation Through Christ

Christ is presented as the ever-unfolding Revelation of God, in whom all treasures of wisdom are hidden, and the Spirit manifests deep things of God to individuals.

### Divine Childlikeness

The aspiring child symbolizes the ideal believer who approaches God with trust, imagination, and a willingness to believe beyond what is seen or explicitly stated.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Quoted as saying 'blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed' (John 20:29); presented as the inexhaustible, ever-unfolding Revelation of God, the Teacher of men who gives His Spirit.

### St. Paul

Quoted for his teaching 'In everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God,' supporting the idea that nothing is too small or too great for prayer.

### The Child

Symbolizes the aspiring, trusting believer who draws near with a heart full of hope and imagination, contrasted with the dull disciple who forbids such faith.

### The Pharisees

Mentioned as those who could believe only for themselves and their own nation, unable to believe for the multitude of the nations.

### God the Father

Referred to as the Father who fills the spaces, holds answers to questions, and is the ultimate object of trust; His fatherhood is a step toward understanding His nearness.

## Key lines

> blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Happy are those who trust without needing physical proof.

_Jesus' words from John 20:29 are used as the foundation for the chapter's theme of faith beyond sight._

> In everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.

Bring all your concerns to God in prayer, with gratitude.

_St. Paul's instruction is cited to show that nothing is too small or too great for prayer._

> The one use of the Bible is to make us look at Jesus, that through him we might know his Father and our Father, his God and our God.

The Bible's purpose is to direct us to Christ, so we may know God personally.

_The author argues that scripture serves as a means, not an end, pointing to the living revelation in Christ._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters/the-higher-faith
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters