Topical Bible: Gifts from God: Spiritual: Faith

Bible > Topical > Gifts from God

◄ Gifts from God: Spiritual: Faith ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Faith, as a spiritual gift from God, holds a significant place within Christian theology and practice. It is both a foundational element of the believer's relationship with God and a special endowment given by the Holy Spirit to certain individuals for the edification of the Church.

Definition and Nature of Faith

Faith, in its most basic sense, is trust and confidence in God and His promises. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance and certainty are not based on empirical evidence but on the trustworthiness of God Himself.

Faith as a Gift of the Holy Spirit

The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, identifies faith as one of the spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12:9 , he writes, "to another faith by the same Spirit." This particular gift of faith is distinct from saving faith, which all believers possess. It is a supernatural endowment that enables individuals to trust God for extraordinary things, often resulting in miraculous outcomes or the ability to inspire and encourage others in their faith journey.

Examples and Manifestations of the Gift of Faith

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of individuals who exhibited the gift of faith. One prominent example is found in the life of Abraham, who is often referred to as the "father of faith." Romans 4:20-21 states, "Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised."

Another example is the faith of the centurion in Matthew 8:5-13, who believed that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word. Jesus marveled at his faith, saying, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Matthew 8:10).

Purpose and Function within the Church

The gift of faith serves several purposes within the body of Christ. It acts as a catalyst for the manifestation of other spiritual gifts, such as healing and miracles. It also plays a crucial role in the advancement of the Gospel, as those with this gift often lead others to trust in God's power and provision.

Moreover, the gift of faith strengthens the Church by providing examples of unwavering trust in God, even in the face of adversity. It encourages believers to rely on God's promises and to act boldly in accordance with His will.

Cultivation and Growth of Faith

While the gift of faith is a special endowment, all believers are called to grow in their faith. Romans 10:17 states, "Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers are essential practices for nurturing and strengthening one's faith.

In summary, faith as a spiritual gift is a profound expression of trust in God, enabling believers to accomplish extraordinary things for His glory. It is a vital component of the Christian life, both as a personal assurance of God's promises and as a communal gift that builds up the Church.

Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Nave's Topical Index

Philippians 1:29
For to you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Spiritual Gifts.
... and affection sanctified and raised to the spiritual sphere, or ... the experience of
the saving love of God in Christ ... but the soul of all the gifts, guarding them ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 45 the spiritual gifts.htm

Spiritual Gifts.
... offices embracing the care of the spiritual and temporal ... classes"those that strengthen
the gifts of saving ... therefore the portion of all God's children, and ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii spiritual gifts.htm

Of a Spiritual Meeting of God and Ourselves
... OF A SPIRITUAL MEETING OF GOD AND OURSELVES. ... The soul should also rest in God above
all the jewels and all the gifts which it may send back to God by its own ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxv of a spiritual.htm

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit which we Receive Prepare us for ...
... Against Heresies: Book V Chapter VIII."The gifts of the Holy Spirit ... the union of
flesh and spirit, receiving the Spirit of God, makes up the spiritual man ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter viii the gifts of the.htm

'All Spiritual Blessings'
... we have to say, 'Blessed be God'; for all the gifts that come ... with many a sob between,
that goes up to bless God for anything but spiritual blessings. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/all spiritual blessings.htm

Letter vi. --Fear of Wasting Time.
... is most mortifying to that most sensitive form of self-love, spiritual self-love ...
envy even those souls which are most greatly enriched with the gifts of God. ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter vi fear of wasting time.htm

Of Two Spiritual Martyrdoms, Wherewith God Cleanseth the Soul that ...
... by an inordinate desire of sublime Gifts, by the Appetite of feeling spiritual
Consolation, by ... holy Mountain of Perfection, and of Transformation with God! ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap iv of two spiritual.htm

Letter xvii. --Confidence in God.
... those who have appealed to me, the gifts and graces ... of direction under the specious
pretext of spiritual need. ... that the time would come when God, desiring to ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xvii confidence in god.htm

A Sequel to the Same Matter.
The Spiritual Guide which Disentangles the Soul. ... of pure Faith, with Silence and
Resignation, is continued: In the manner that the Gifts of God's Spirit grow ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap xv a sequel to.htm

Man the Image of the Creator, and Christ the Head of the Man ...
... days appeared as the dispenser of spiritual gifts (as the ... fulness of the time was
come, God sent forth ... of understanding and counsel." "To another, faith by the ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter viii man the image of.htm