When nothing works, faith will do!
Faith is crucial in life, serving as something we hold onto during challenging times when nothing else seems to work. It gives us hope and the belief that it can sustain us through life’s difficulties.
Faith can have different meanings for different people; it might be having confidence in oneself or believing in a higher power, like the Supreme God.
In Christianity and according to the Bible, faith is about trusting God and His promises, even when we can’t see the outcomes. It is a vital aspect of our relationship with God, guiding us to rely on Him and His plan for our lives.
Let us explore this in detail here.
What does faith mean according to the Bible?
Faith in the context of the Bible can be enlightening for someone who believes in Him. Faith is a central concept that holds profound significance for believers. Faith is not just a vague feeling or blind belief; it is a foundational aspect of the Christian worldview.
So what is the definition of faith?
Faith, as described in the Bible, is the confident assurance and trust in God, His promises, and His Word. It goes beyond what we can see or understand with our physical senses. Hebrews 11:1 provides a concise definition: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
How does faith in God begin?
Faith begins with acknowledging the character of God as revealed in the Bible. It is based on the belief that God is loving, just, merciful, and faithful to His Word. As we come to know God more through Scripture and personal experiences, our trust in Him grows, leading to a deeper faith in Him.
Bible verses about faith in God
The Bible is filled with accounts of individuals who demonstrated great faith. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “faith chapter,” gives a list of these faithful men and women, such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, and many others. Their stories illustrate how faith allowed them to persevere through challenges and experience God’s faithfulness in their lives.
From another perspective, the Bible is filled with promises that God has made to His people. Faith involves accepting and trusting in these promises, even if we haven’t seen them fulfilled yet. These promises cover various aspects of life, such as salvation, guidance, comfort, and provision.
Now, let us try to understand faith in the content of the Bible so that it enriches our spiritual journey.
Faith has many dimensions
What does the Bible say about these different dimensions of faith? Faith is not a one-dimensional concept but encompasses various aspects of belief, trust, and confidence. It involves intellectual, emotional, and volitional dimensions.
Intellectual faith is understanding and accepting the truth of God’s Word. Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Faith begins with gaining knowledge and understanding through hearing and studying the Word of God.
Emotional faith is a deep, heartfelt trust in God’s character and promises. Psalm 9:10 states this – “And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” This simply means that trusting in God’s unchanging nature fosters emotional faith within you.
Volitional faith is the active decision to surrender one’s life to God and live in obedience to His commands. Joshua 24:15 – “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”, which means that faith here is demonstrated through choices and actions, such as deciding to serve the Lord.
Faith begins with God
Faith begins with God’s gracious initiative. He reveals Himself and His truth, drawing people to Himself through the work of the Holy Spirit. Faith is a gift from God, not a human invention. How does faith begin with God? The Bible reveals this truth in many ways.
Faith as a gift from God: The Bible teaches that faith is a gift from God. It is not something that humans can generate on their own. Ephesians 2:8-9 is a central verse that emphasizes this point: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
God’s initiative in revelation: Faith begins with God’s initiative in revealing Himself to humanity. Throughout the Bible, we see instances of God reaching out to people, disclosing His nature, character, and plan for salvation.
The role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in initiating and enabling faith. He convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), leading them to recognize their need for a Savior.
Faith as a response to God’s call: While God initiates faith, humans are responsible for responding to His call. Faith involves a personal decision to trust and believe in God. In Mark 1:15, Jesus proclaimed, “The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Repentance and belief are responses to God’s call, showing that faith involves a conscious choice to follow Him.
However, while God takes the first step, individuals must respond to His call and choose to place their trust in Him. As we seek to understand and grow in our faith, it is essential to recognize that God’s grace is the foundation on which our faith stands.
Faith is, and always has been, the only means of salvation
The foundational teaching in Christianity tells us about the concept that faith is and has always been the only means of salvation. Why? This truth is rooted in the idea that humans, since the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden, have been separated from God due to sin. No amount of good work or human effort can bridge this gap. Instead, salvation is a gift offered by God to humanity, received solely through faith in Jesus Christ.
Here are some fine examples to prove it.
The universality of salvation through faith: Romans 3:22 states, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile.” This passage underlines that the promise of redemption via faith is universal and open to all individuals, regardless of background, ethnicity, or socioeconomic class.
Not justified by the works of the law: Galatians 2:16 makes it clear that our justification, or being made right with God, does not come through obeying the law or trying to earn our way into God’s favor. Instead, it is achieved “by faith in Jesus Christ.”
The Old Testament foreshadowing of faith: Even in the Old Testament, we see examples of individuals who were saved by faith. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “Hall of Faith,” lists various Old Testament figures who demonstrated their trust in God, even before the coming of Christ.
The Bible consistently teaches that faith is the only means of salvation. Embracing this truth allows us to rest in God’s love and receive the gift of eternal life through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Faith results in numerous blessings and benefits
Faith opens the door to God’s abundant blessings in our lives. It brings spiritual blessings, peace, hope, and a deep sense of purpose and belonging.
When we place our trust in Jesus Christ, we are justified before God, meaning our sins are forgiven, and we are reconciled with Him. Romans 5:1-2 explains that through faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ, and we gain access to His grace.
This grace empowers us to stand in God’s presence without fear or shame. Furthermore, faith gives us hope in the glory of God, knowing that one day we will be with Him in eternity. This assurance brings comfort and a sense of purpose to our lives, knowing that we are part of God’s grand plan.
Matthew 21:22 reinforces the concept that faith brings blessings through prayer. When we pray with faith, trusting that God hears us and will respond according to His will, we can expect to receive answers to our prayers.
It’s important to understand that this doesn’t mean we’ll receive everything we ask for exactly the way we want it, but God, in His wisdom and love, will answer our prayers in accordance with His perfect plan for our lives.
Faith is revealed in a person’s actions
The Bible emphasizes that true faith is not just a theoretical belief or a mere intellectual agreement; rather, it is revealed and validated through a person’s actions and obedience to God’s Word.
James 2:17 states, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” This verse highlights that faith without corresponding actions is lifeless and ineffective. It is like a tree without fruit; it may look like it’s alive, but if it bears no fruit, it lacks evidence of true life. Similarly, genuine faith should result in actions that align with what one believes and confesses.
James 2:26 further emphasizes the connection between faith and actions, comparing faith without works to a body without the spirit. Just as a body without a spirit is lifeless, faith that lacks accompanying works is devoid of its true vitality. In other words, faith and work are inseparable.
If one genuinely believes in God and His Word, that belief will manifest in actions that align with His teachings. Faith, when alive and active, motivates a person to live in obedience to God’s commands, demonstrate love to others, and serve God wholeheartedly.
Wrapping Up
Simply put, faith means placing complete reliance on Jesus Christ and His work to reconcile us with God. It involves trusting in who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for our salvation.
If you are considering a faith-filled call to Christian ministry, the programs offered by Dr.Michelle Corral, the founder of Breath of the Spirit International Ministries, will not only strengthen your own faith in God but also equip you to help others grow in their faith.
