Topical Encyclopedia
Faith, as a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (
Hebrews 11:1). It is the foundation upon which believers are called to build their lives, influencing every action and decision. The Bible emphasizes that all things should be done in faith, underscoring its importance in the life of a Christian.
Faith in Daily LifeThe Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently exhorts believers to live by faith. In
Romans 14:23, he states, "But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin." This passage highlights the necessity of faith in even the most mundane activities, such as eating, suggesting that every action should be rooted in a trust in God and His provisions.
Faith and WorksJames, the brother of Jesus, further elaborates on the relationship between faith and works. In
James 2:17, he writes, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This indicates that genuine faith is not passive but active, manifesting in deeds that reflect one's trust in God. The integration of faith into all aspects of life is essential for a vibrant and authentic Christian witness.
Faith in PrayerPrayer is another area where faith is paramount. Jesus teaches in
Mark 11:24, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." This instruction underscores the necessity of faith in prayer, encouraging believers to approach God with confidence and trust in His willingness to answer.
Faith in TrialsThe New Testament also addresses the role of faith during trials and tribulations. In
1 Peter 1:6-7, Peter writes, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Here, faith is portrayed as a refining force, tested and strengthened through adversity, ultimately bringing glory to God.
Faith and SalvationCentral to Christian theology is the concept of salvation by faith.
Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage affirms that faith is the means by which believers receive the grace of God, leading to salvation. It is not through human effort but through faith in the redemptive work of Christ that one is justified.
Faith and the Holy SpiritThe role of the Holy Spirit in nurturing and sustaining faith is also significant.
Galatians 5:22-23 lists faithfulness as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that faith is both a gift and a result of the Spirit's work in the believer's life. The Spirit empowers Christians to live out their faith in all circumstances, guiding them in truth and righteousness.
Faith in CommunityFinally, faith is not only personal but communal.
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as some have made a habit, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." The community of faith is vital for mutual encouragement and growth, as believers support one another in living out their faith.
In summary, faith is integral to every aspect of a Christian's life, from daily actions to spiritual disciplines, trials, and community life. It is the lens through which believers are called to view and engage with the world, trusting in God's promises and His sovereign plan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Romans 14:22Have you faith? have it to yourself before God. Happy is he that comdemns not himself in that thing which he allows.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Concerning Faith of Things Not Seen
... Prophets were not silent as to true things to come ... not heard; their sound went out
into all the earth ... amazing obstinacy, would be unwilling to put faith in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /
Shewing Wherein all Saving Grace Does Summarily Consist"
... charity quite of another kind"viz., patience under suffering, faith and hope ... that
He should be glorified, and that His will should be done in all things. ...
/.../edwards/treatise on grace/shewing wherein all saving grace.htm
The Privilege of Prayer
... By calm, simple faith the soul holds communion with God ... It should be a pleasure to
worship the Lord ... have grace to deal honestly and faithfully in all things. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 11 the privilege of.htm
Uniformity in all Things.
... It is certain and of faith, that whatever happens, happens ... creating evil [21] ."
From God come all things, good as ... would be the author of those things he would ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/2 uniformity in all things.htm
Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators
... of the faith of Abraham, which are the main things wherein every ... to imitate him therein;
but in the works of faith, I say, which belongeth to all men, every ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/hooker the activity of.htm
The Spiritual Life
... For if only faith contributes to salvation, and goods of ... and to widows and orphans,
since such things are mentioned ... they must give to the poor all they possess ...
/.../swedenborg/spiritual life and the word of god/part firstthe spiritual life.htm
Love's Labours
... is the second of them"love "believeth all things." In reference ... I wish we had more
of this faith abroad in ... I believe that with all their faults they are the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/loves labours.htm
Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery.
... In all these things no one can fix a definite rule ... Each one must watch himself and
see what things are needful ... In this work a good strong faith is a great help ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt not commit adultery.htm
The Christian Faith
... and His plan and purpose for man we should be helpless ... not know God as the Creator
of all things and as ... By faith in Christ we are brought into communion with ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study v the christian faith.htm
The Government of Nature.
... no one can find who does not seek it." All I want ... our power of imagining a region
in which the things might be ... Let us beware lest what we call faith be but the ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/ix the government of nature.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a leap of faith? | GotQuestions.orgHow can you believe in salvation by faith alone when the only occurrence of 'faith alone' in the Bible (James 2:24) says that salvation is not by faith alone? | GotQuestions.orgFaith: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus