Basis for Effective Faith
Text: Isaiah 43:25–26 (KJV)
“I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.”
Introduction
Faith is the lifeblood of the Christian walk. Scripture says in Hebrews 11:6 that “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” But the effectiveness of our faith; our ability to believe, act, and receive from God is deeply rooted in our understanding of who God is, what He has said, and our identity in Him.
Isaiah 43:25–26 gives us a powerful revelation. God not only declares His willingness to blot out our sins, but He also invites us to engage Him boldly to “put Him in remembrance,” to “plead together,” and to “declare” that we may be justified. This passage outlines foundational truths that form the basis for effective faith that moves mountains, overcomes trials, and pleases God.
Let us explore these truths in depth.
1. The Foundation of Effective Faith Is God’s Mercy and Forgiveness
“I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake…” (v.25)
Before faith can be effective, the barrier of guilt and condemnation must be removed. Many believers attempt to exercise faith while still burdened with the weight of their past. However, God clearly declares here that He Himself is the one who blots out our transgressions.
Notice that He does it “for His own sake.” This reveals the covenant nature of God’s forgiveness. He forgives not because we earned it or deserved it, but because He is committed to us by His love, His covenant, and His name. This becomes a sure foundation for faith; we are accepted, cleansed, and welcomed before God without condemnation.
When a believer walks in the assurance of divine forgiveness, faith flows naturally. Romans 8:1 confirms this: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…”
Faith is crippled when guilt dominates the heart, but faith becomes effective when we understand that we stand before God justified by His mercy.
2. The Practice of Effective Faith Requires Engaging God’s Word
“Put me in remembrance…” (v.26a)
Faith is not passive, it is active, vocal, and grounded in knowledge. God invites us to remind Him of His Word not because He forgets, but because He wants us to know and affirm what He has spoken.
To “put God in remembrance” is to come before Him in prayer and declare His promises back to Him:
- “Lord, You said in Your Word…”
- “You promised never to leave nor forsake me…”
- “You said the righteous will not be forsaken…”
This is the language of faith. When we speak God’s Word with conviction, we align our hearts with His will. Jeremiah 1:12 says God watches over His Word to perform it, not just the Word in the Bible, but the Word in our mouths.
A believer who desires to walk in effective faith must be a student of Scripture. The Word of God is the fuel of faith. Romans 10:17 tells us that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” If you want your faith to grow, saturate your heart and speech with His Word.
3. The Boldness of Effective Faith Is Found in Pleading With God
“Let us plead together…” (v.26b)
What an invitation; The Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, is calling us to come and discuss with Him. This mirrors the language of Isaiah 1:18: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord…”
God is not intimidated by our petitions; in fact, He desires it. Effective faith is relational, not robotic. It is about coming into God’s presence, not only quoting scripture but interacting with Him as a Father, engaging His heart and mind.
This is how Abraham pleaded for Sodom, how Moses interceded for Israel, and how Hannah prayed for a child. It’s not about manipulating God, it’s about partnering with Him in prayer, based on His promises.
4. The Expression of Effective Faith Is Declaration
“Declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.” (v.26c)
This final instruction shows us how to seal our faith through declaration.
Faith is not only believing in the heart but speaking with the mouth. Romans 10:10 says, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
What you declare consistently reveals what you truly believe. Faith must find its way to your tongue—your declarations create alignment with the will of God.
When you declare:
- “I am healed, because by His stripes I am healed.”
- “I am not afraid, because the Lord is my light and salvation.”
- “I am blessed, because I am the seed of Abraham.”
You are not reciting motivational words, you are activating divine realities. You are testifying to heaven and earth what God has already spoken.
Declarations are prophetic, powerful, and productive when they align with God’s Word. That is how justification is manifested through believing hearts and speaking lips.
Conclusion
The basis for effective faith is not found in wishful thinking or empty religious performance. It is rooted in God’s forgiveness, fueled by His Word, activated through prayer, and expressed through bold declaration.
Isaiah 43:25–26 is a divine blueprint for living in bold, confident, and fruitful faith:
- Know that you are forgiven and loved
- Know God’s Word and remind Him of it
- Come to Him boldly and plead your case
- Declare what He has said so you may be justified
When your faith is based on these foundations, it becomes unshakeable, able to withstand trials, move mountains, and receive the fullness of God’s promises.
So today, stand boldly before God. You are forgiven. You are justified. You are heard. And your faith will be effective.