Do You Really Have Faith in the Good News?

“The kingdom of God has drawn near. Be repentant, you people, and have faith in the good news.”—MARK 1:15.
 
IT WAS the year 30 C.E. Jesus Christ had embarked on his great ministry in Galilee. He was preaching “the good news of God,” and many Galileans were moved by his statement: “The appointed time has been fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has drawn near. Be repentant, you people, and have faith in the good news.”—Mark 1:14, 15.
 
 “The appointed time” had come for Jesus to begin his ministry and for people to make a decision that would bring them divine approval. (Luke 12:54-56) ‘God’s kingdom had drawn near’ because Jesus was on hand as King-Designate. His preaching work moved righthearted ones to repent. But how did they—and how do we—display “faith in the good news”?
 
 Like Jesus, the apostle Peter urged people to be repentant. Addressing Jews in Jerusalem at Pentecost 33 C.E., Peter said: “Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the free gift of the holy spirit.” Thousands repented, were baptized, and became Jesus’ followers. (Acts 2:38, 41; 4:4) In 36 C.E., repentant Gentiles took similar steps. (Acts 10:1-48) 

In our day, faith in the good news is moving thousands to repent of their sins, make a dedication to God, and be baptized. They have accepted the good news of salvation and are exercising faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. Moreover, they are practicing righteousness and have taken their stand on the side of God’s Kingdom.
 
 But what is faith? The apostle Paul wrote: “Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.” (Hebrews 11:1) Our faith makes us sure that everything God promises in his Word is as good as done. It is as though we possessed a deed proving that we own certain property. 

Faith is also “the evident demonstration,” or evidence for conviction, regarding unseen things. Our mental perception and heart appreciation convince us that such things are real, although we have not seen them.—2 Corinthians 5:7; Ephesians 1:18.