What is faith?
Quick Answer
Faith is complete trust and confidence in God - believing His promises, accepting His truth, and committing one's life to Him even when circumstances seem contrary.
Understanding Faith
Biblical faith is far more than intellectual agreement or wishful thinking. The Greek word 'pistis' encompasses belief, trust, confidence, and faithfulness. Hebrews 11:1 provides the classic definition: 'Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.' Faith involves three elements: knowledge (understanding what God has revealed), assent (agreeing that it is true), and trust (personally relying upon it). Saving faith goes beyond believing facts about God to personally trusting in Christ for salvation. This faith is itself a gift from God, not something we generate on our own. Yet faith is also active - it produces works, shapes decisions, and transforms lives. The faith that saves is never alone; it inevitably results in a changed life that honors God.
In the Old Testament
The Old Testament is filled with examples of faith in action. Abraham believed God's promise of descendants despite being childless and old - and it was 'counted unto him for righteousness' (Genesis 15:6). Hebrews 11 catalogs Old Testament heroes who lived by faith: Noah building the ark, Moses forsaking Egypt, Rahab hiding the spies. The Hebrew concept of 'emunah' (faithfulness, steadfastness) emphasizes the relational aspect of faith - trusting in God's faithful character. The prophets called Israel to return to faithful covenant relationship with God, demonstrating that faith was never merely ritual observance but heart devotion.
In the New Testament
In the New Testament, faith becomes the central means by which people receive salvation. Jesus frequently commended great faith and rebuked little faith. The Gospels present faith as trust in Jesus' person and power. Paul develops the doctrine of justification by faith, arguing that righteousness comes through believing in Christ, not through keeping the law. Faith unites believers to Christ, making His righteousness their own. The book of Hebrews presents faith as the essential quality of those who please God, while James emphasizes that genuine faith inevitably produces good works.
Key Scripture References
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Read full commentary →Hebrews 11:6“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Read full commentary →Romans 10:17“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Read full commentary →Ephesians 2:8“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
Read full commentary →James 2:17“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
Read full commentary →Galatians 2:20“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.”
Read full commentary →Related Concepts
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