Faith – What does the Bible say?

TL;DR:

Faith is a trust and assurance that God is who He says He is. Faith leads to salvation and is strengthened as we grow in our knowledge and love of God.

Faith is trusting in who God says He is. Faith is essential for a relationship with God, as it is through faith that we are justified and able to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). It is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9) that cannot be earned, and it connects us to Him through Jesus Christ. Faith allows us to believe in things not seen and gives us the assurance of hope (Hebrews 11:1-3). As we grow in our knowledge and trust of God, our faith becomes stronger, even through trials that build endurance and character (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:1-5). Ultimately, faith leads us to salvation and allows the ongoing transformation of our hearts and lives (1 Peter 1:8-

9).

from the old testament

Noah trusted the voice of God when he built the ark (Genesis 6:13-14).
Abraham trusted God when he moved from his home to an unknown place (Genesis 12:1).
Abraham trusted God when he attempted to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:2).
Joseph trusted God as he was put through many trials (Genesis 39:21).
Moses trusted God as he led the people out of Egypt (Exodus 14:13-14).
David trusted God when he stood against Goliath (1 Samuel 17:41-49).
Daniel and his three friends trusted that God was superior to any king (Daniel 3:16-18; 6:13).

from the new testament

Peter trusted that Jesus was the Son of God (John 6:68-69).
We are justified by accepting Christ’s salvation through our faith in Him (Romans 5:1-5).
Our faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). We cannot earn faith or create it out of nothing. God is holy and we are not. Nothing we can do on our own makes us holy or earns favor from God. Only our reliance upon Jesus as our Savior grants us access to God.
Faith is trusting that God is who He says He is and that the Gospel is truth (Hebrews 11:1).
The Bible tells us that without faith, we have no relationship with God and cannot please Him (Hebrews 11:6).
We are encouraged to trust Christ’s plan even through heavy suffering (James 1:2-4).
First Peter 1:8-9 encourages believers, "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." Faith and salvation
are inextricably linked.

implications for today

Faith alone separates those who belong to God and those who do not. It i

s not the level of evil or the level of goodness in each person. It is only our relationship to God through Jesus—and that takes faith.As we get to know God through the Bible, our faith in Him grows more relevant and full. Exercising our faith strengthens it, like a muscle. This is the only way we can grow in our trust in God and understand such verses such as James 1:2-4 and Romans 8:28

.By faith, we are justified (declared righteous) before God and brought into relationship with Him. Faith also helps us endure suffering, trusting that God can and will use it ultimately for our good and His glory, as Romans 8:28 promises. Faith is central to the Christian life—beginning at the moment of salvation and carrying through our entire journey with God. Because our faith is in God, we have a sure and firm foundation.

understand

Faith is trusting in who God says He is and is essential for a relationship with God.
Faith is a gift from God that leads to salvation and strengthens as we grow in our knowledge and love of Him.
Faith enables us to endure trials, live out God's plan, and transforms our hearts and lives.

reflect

What can you do to strengthen your faith in God during times of trial and uncertainty?
In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more fully?
How have you seen God grow your faith through your personal experiences or challenges?

engage

How do the biblical examples of faith challenge us to trust Him, even when the outcome is unknown?
How can we encourage each other to grow in faith, especially when facing suffering or difficult circumstances?
What role does Scripture and the Spirit play in deepening our faith, and how can we make time to grow in our knowledge of God through His Word?