There is much misunderstanding concerning the subject of faith. As the word of God is truth (Jn. 17:17), consider these simple Biblical facts about faith.

Faith’s Definition: What is faith? The Hebrew writer defines it asbeing “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). Faith is the substance (confidence or support) of things hoped for, and the evidence (proof) of things not seen. A good example of this principle is seen in the words of the Hebrew writer: “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (Heb. 11:3).

Faith’s Necessity: Scripture reveals that, “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). Faith is absolutely necessary – without it, one cannot possibly please God. What kind of faith is required? A faith in God, the Father (Heb. 11:6), a faith in Jesus, the Christ (Jn. 8:24), and a faith in the word of God (Jn. 12:47-50). Do you have the faith that God has said is necessary? Without it, you cannot be pleasing to God!

Faith’s Origin: From whence does faith come? Some would teach that one is mysteriously given faith directly by the Holy Spirit. However, that’s not how the Bible teaches one receives faith. The fact is that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Faith comes by hearing the preaching and teaching of God’s word, the Bible. That’s why Paul asked, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14). Not only does faith find its origin in hearing the word of God, but that is also how faith is increased. Peter commanded, “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). Faith finds its origin in the hearing of the word of God!

Faith’s Manifestation: How does faith show itself? James said, “…I will show you my faith by my works” (Jas. 2:18). Faith manifests itself in our works. Read of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 and be impressed by the fact that their example of faith is based upon that which they did. “By faith Abel offered” (v. 4); “By faith Noah…prepared” (v. 7); “By faith Abraham obeyed” (v. 8); “By faith he dwelt” (v. 9); “By faith Abraham…offered up Isaac” (v. 17); “By faith Isaac blessed” (v. 20); “By faith Jacob…blessed” (v. 21); “By faith Joseph…made mention…and gave instruction” (v. 22); “By faith Moses…refused…choosing… esteeming” (vv. 24-26); “By faith he forsook” (v. 27); “By faith he kept” (v. 28); “By faith they passed” (v. 29). You see, it is not enough to say you have faith. True, Biblical faith is a faith that acts, obeying the will of God. Without obedience, one cannot be said to have true faith!

Faith’s Result: What does one hope to achieve by having faith? The apostle Peter spoke of “receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet. 1:9). Jesus Himself said, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (Jn. 3:14-18). One who possesses true faith (a faith that believes, grows, and obeys) will receive in the end, as the result of such a faith, eternal life!

Now knowing these facts about faith, where do you stand before God in regard to your faith?

-David Eldridge