Faith as it is used in the vernacular is “confidence or trust in a person or thing.” [Dictionary.com] This is far from what the Bible considers faith. In Hebrews 11, Paul defines faith as ” the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” He goes on to add that “by it the elders obtained a good testimony” and “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.” [Hebrews 11:1-3]
Biblical faith can be understood in part by looking at what it is not:
- It is not mere hopefulness
- It is not mere optimism
- It is not merely a hunch
- It is not merely an emotional sentiment
Biblical faith is so much more . . .
- Biblical faith makes the future present
- Biblical faith makes the invisible seen
- Biblical faith can grow
- Biblical faith has God as its object
- Biblical faith has God’s Word as its assurance
- Biblical faith gives evidence for what can’t be seen
- Biblical faith is a gift from God, not based on experience or works
- Biblical faith has a certainty – being sure of what we hope for:
- Forgiveness of sins
- Acceptance into heaven
- Rewards for faithful service
- Living with settled conviction of His promises
- Taking God at His word
- Biblical faith takes hold of the future and lives based on the future now
