The phrase “just have faith, it will work out” is common, offering encouragement during hardship. But delving deeper, What Is Faith according to the Bible, and is it truly effective? Understanding biblical faith offers more than just comfort; it provides a roadmap for navigating life’s challenges with divine assurance.
In the New Testament, the word “faith” originates from the Greek term pistis. According to The New Strong’s Expanded Dictionary of Bible Words, pistis signifies “belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same. ‘Faith’ means trust, confidence, assurance, and belief.” Essentially, faith is a deeply rooted trust and confidence in God and His promises.
Hebrews 11:1 provides a concise definition: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This verse highlights two crucial aspects of faith. Firstly, faith is the substance or assurance of our hopes—it’s the conviction that what we hope for is real and attainable, even before it materializes. Secondly, it’s the evidence of unseen realities, particularly spiritual truths. Faith allows us to perceive and trust in things beyond our immediate senses. It precedes tangible results; faith exists before prayers are answered and requests are granted. Once received, the need for anticipatory faith diminishes, transitioning into experienced reality.
Biblical Examples of Faith in Action
To illustrate the definition of faith, let’s examine practical examples from the Bible.
The Healing of the Blind Men: A New Testament Illustration
Matthew 9:27-30 recounts the story of two blind men seeking healing from Jesus. They approached Him, pleading for mercy. Jesus inquired, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Their affirmative response, “Yes, Lord,” demonstrated their faith. In response, “Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’ And their eyes were opened.”
Their faith—their unwavering assurance in Jesus’ ability to restore their sight—was the “substance” of their hope. It was the evidence, the solid ground upon which they believed they would receive their request. They acted in faith, believing in advance that healing was possible through Jesus. This narrative beautifully encapsulates faith as a confident expectation and reliance on divine power.
Daniel’s Friends and the Fiery Furnace: An Old Testament Testament
The Old Testament provides equally compelling examples. Consider Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who faced a dire test of faith in Daniel chapter 3. King Nebuchadnezzar commanded everyone to bow down to a golden image, under penalty of being thrown into a fiery furnace. These three Jewish men refused to compromise their faith in God.
They declared to King Nebuchadnezzar: “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18).
Their faith was profound. They believed God could deliver them, expressing confidence in His power. However, they also acknowledged the possibility that He might not intervene in the way they expected. Regardless of the immediate outcome, their faith remained steadfast in their commitment to God. Their trust was the substance of their hope for deliverance, whether physical at that moment or ultimate in a future resurrection. Their faith was rooted in obedience to God’s commandments, choosing loyalty to Him above self-preservation.
The Indispensable Role of Works in Faith
James, the apostle and half-brother of Jesus, emphasizes a critical dimension of faith by using Abraham as an example. Abraham’s faith wasn’t passive; it was actively demonstrated through his actions.
“Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?” (James 2:21-22).
True faith is not merely intellectual assent; it’s a dynamic force that motivates action. James clarifies that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). This means genuine faith is characterized by obedience and service to God. It’s faith that transforms our lives and aligns our actions with our beliefs.
It’s crucial to understand that emphasizing works is not advocating for salvation through works. The Apostle Paul firmly states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not earned by human deeds.
However, Paul continues in the very next verse, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). Good works are the result of salvation, the outflowing of a living faith. They are the evidence of a transformed life, guided by God’s Spirit. Paul further reinforces this in Romans 3:31, “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.” Faith doesn’t negate God’s law; it empowers us to live righteously, fulfilling the law’s intent through love and obedience.
Distinguishing Between Faith and Belief
In contemporary Christian discourse, “faith” and “belief” are often used interchangeably. While closely related, the Bible subtly distinguishes between them, particularly in the context of living faith.
While “belief” can be intellectual assent, “faith,” as described by pistis, encompasses a deeper trust and commitment. Interestingly, in 2 Thessalonians 2:13, the word “belief” in the New King James Version is translated from pistis, highlighting their close connection.
However, James’ epistle sheds light on a critical difference when discussing “dead faith.” He points out that even demons “believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20). Here, “believe” is translated from the Greek word pisteuo, a relative of pistis. James uses the example of demons to illustrate that mere intellectual acknowledgment of God’s existence is insufficient. Demons believe in God, yet they are in rebellion against Him.
Living faith, in contrast to dead faith, is a transformative belief that motivates obedience and good works. It’s not just believing in Jesus Christ or acknowledging God’s existence; it’s allowing that belief to reshape our lives, leading to consistent growth in our relationship with God.
Cultivating and Strengthening Faith
Faith isn’t static; it can be nurtured and strengthened. The Bible offers practical ways to increase our faith.
One primary way is through prayer and studying God’s Word, the Bible. Paul encourages believers in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Consistent prayer and bringing our anxieties to God cultivates trust and reliance on Him.
Furthermore, Romans 10:17 states, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Hearing and studying God’s Word is vital for building faith. The Bible is replete with accounts of God’s faithfulness, promises, and power. Engaging with Scripture deepens our understanding of God and strengthens our confidence in Him.
In conclusion, what is faith? Biblical faith is more than just intellectual agreement. It’s a profound trust, assurance, and confidence in God and Jesus Christ. Living faith is active, demonstrated through obedience and service, and is essential for a vibrant relationship with God. By seeking Him through prayer and immersing ourselves in His Word, we can cultivate and strengthen our faith, experiencing His transformative power in our lives.
Explore further insights in our “Faith” section for more articles on this vital topic.
About the Author
Jim Haeffele
Jim Haeffele is a retired pastor from the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, with over 50 years of ministry experience. He and his wife, Lois, have served congregations across the United States.
