The Essence of Biblical Faith
In a world often defined by the tangible and the immediate, the concept of faith might seem elusive or even irrational to some. Yet, for the believer, faith is not merely a hopeful sentiment or a blind leap into the unknown; it is the very bedrock of their relationship with God, the substance of their hope, and the evidence of unseen realities. The King James Version of the Holy Bible presents faith as a profound, divinely-imparted principle, essential for salvation and the Christian walk.
The definitive Biblical statement on faith is found in the book of Hebrews:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
This verse encapsulates the dual nature of faith: it is both a substance and an evidence. As a substance, faith gives concrete reality to that which is hoped for but not yet possessed. It transforms future promises into present certainties in the heart of the believer. As evidence, faith provides conviction and proof of unseen spiritual truths—God's existence, His promises, His power, and His eternal kingdom. It is the spiritual eye that perceives what the natural eye cannot.
Faith: A Divine Gift, Not a Human Work
Perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of Biblical faith is that it is not something we generate ourselves, but rather a gracious gift from God. The Apostle Paul makes this abundantly clear:
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
This passage unequivocally states that salvation, which comes through faith, is entirely God's gift. Our ability to believe, to trust in Christ, is not a product of our own will, intellect, or spiritual striving, but an enabling grace from the Almighty. This divine origin prevents human boasting and ensures that God alone receives all glory for our salvation. Each believer is given a "measure of faith," as stated in Romans 12:3, indicating that faith is distributed by God according to His sovereign will and purpose for each individual.
How Faith Comes: The Hearing of God's Word
If faith is a gift, how then does one receive it? The Bible provides a clear answer:
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
This verse highlights the indispensable role of God's Word in imparting faith. It is through the proclamation of the Gospel, the reading of the scriptures, and the Spirit-illumined understanding of divine truth that faith is born and nurtured in the heart. God's Word is not merely information; it is living and powerful, active in convicting, converting, and transforming souls. When the Holy Spirit works through the preached or read Word, He opens the ears of the heart to receive and believe the testimony of God concerning His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Exclusive Object of Saving Faith: Jesus Christ
Biblical faith is not a vague belief in a higher power or a general optimism about life. It has a specific, divine object: the Lord Jesus Christ. True saving faith is faith in Christ's person and His finished work on the cross for the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection to eternal life. John 3:16 is perhaps the most well-known declaration of this truth:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The emphasis is on "believeth in him." When the Philippian jailor asked Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?", their immediate answer was clear:
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
The object of saving faith is not a creed, a church, a ritual, or even faith itself. It is Christ alone. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no man cometh unto the Father, but by Him (John 14:6).
Faith and Works: A Living Connection
The relationship between faith and works has been a subject of much discussion throughout church history. The Apostle James addresses this directly, stating:
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
This passage does not contradict salvation by grace through faith alone, but rather clarifies that true, saving faith is never barren. It is a living, active principle that inevitably produces good works as its fruit. Works do not earn salvation, nor do they contribute to its acquisition; rather, they serve as undeniable evidence that genuine faith is present. James gives examples:
- Abraham's faith was made perfect by his works when he offered Isaac (James 2:21, referencing Genesis 22:9-12).
- Rahab the harlot was justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way (James 2:25, referencing Joshua 2:1-21).
As James concludes, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (James 2:26). A faith that produces no change in life, no obedience to God's commands, and no love for others, is a mere intellectual assent, not the transforming, saving faith of the Bible.
Living By Faith: The Christian Walk
Faith is not a one-time event experienced at conversion; it is a continuous principle by which the believer lives their entire life. Paul declares:
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
The Christian life is a walk of faith, not of sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). It means trusting God's promises in every circumstance, relying on His strength in weakness, seeking His guidance in decisions, and believing His Word even when circumstances seem contrary. It is a daily dependence on Christ for grace, wisdom, and power to live a life pleasing to Him. This involves:
The righteous shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38). This principle undergirds every aspect of a truly Christian existence.
The Power and Victory of Faith
Faith is not merely a passive belief; it is an active force that can accomplish great things. Jesus frequently spoke of the power of faith, even comparing it to a tiny mustard seed:
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
This speaks to the limitless power of God, which is unleashed through faith. It is not the size of our faith that matters, but the greatness of the God in whom we place our faith. Faith enables believers to overcome obstacles, receive healing, see prayers answered, and ultimately, conquer the world. As the Apostle John writes:
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
In a world hostile to God and His truth, faith provides the spiritual armor and weapon to stand firm and triumph over temptation, sin, and the schemes of the enemy. It is the conviction that God is greater than any challenge and His promises are true.
Conclusion
What is faith? It is, first and foremost, a divine gift, graciously bestowed by God through the hearing of His Holy Word. It is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, making real the unseen realities of God's kingdom. Its exclusive and glorious object is the Lord Jesus Christ, His atoning death, and His resurrection. True saving faith is a living, active principle that inevitably produces good works as its natural outflow, though these works never earn salvation. It is the very principle by which the righteous live, trusting God in every facet of their existence. Ultimately, faith is the victory that overcomes the world, enabling believers to live a life of triumph and eternal hope in Christ. May we all strive to grow in this precious, God-given faith, for without it, it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6).