Topical Encyclopedia
Faith, 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 through faith that believers are justified and live in accordance with God's will. The Scriptures exhort saints to stand fast in their faith, emphasizing its importance in the life of a Christian.
The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith. In
1 Corinthians 16:13, he writes, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong." This exhortation underscores the necessity of vigilance and strength in maintaining one's faith amidst trials and temptations.
Similarly, in
Philippians 1:27, Paul urges the church to "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel." Here, standing firm in faith is linked to unity and collective perseverance in the Christian community.
The epistle to the Colossians also highlights the importance of steadfastness in faith.
Colossians 2:6-7 states, "Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." This passage emphasizes growth and maturity in faith, likening it to being rooted and built up in Christ.
The Apostle Peter, in his first epistle, addresses the trials that test the faith of believers, encouraging them to remain firm. In
1 Peter 5:9, he writes, "Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering." This call to resist the adversary and stand firm is a reminder of the communal aspect of faith and the shared experiences of believers.
The theme of standing fast in faith is not limited to the New Testament. The Old Testament also provides examples of steadfast faith, such as the unwavering trust of Abraham, who "believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (
Genesis 15:6). His faith serves as a model for believers, illustrating the righteousness that comes through faith.
In the book of Hebrews, the faith of the saints is celebrated in what is often referred to as the "Hall of Faith."
Hebrews 11 recounts the accounts of those who stood firm in their faith, despite facing persecution, trials, and even death. These examples serve as an encouragement for believers to persevere in their own faith journeys.
The call to stand fast in faith is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, urging believers to remain unwavering in their trust and reliance on God. It is through this steadfast faith that Christians are able to navigate the challenges of life, holding firm to the promises of God and the hope of eternal life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Corinthians 16:13Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Should Reply be Made?
... and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered
unto the saints." Jude 3.. "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/ii should reply be made.htm
Strong and Loving
... their ears, as it were, that everything should be done ... be bidden to 'stand fast in
the faith.' Their slothful ... which yet he called a Church of saints, and for ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/strong and loving.htm
Perseverance of Saints.
... while backslidden from God he still has faith in his word ... to sin or apostatize, lest
they should be lost ... of the exhortations and warnings given to the saints:". ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm
Epistle xxx. The Roman Clergy to Cyprian.
... anything done as it ought not to be, should, as it were ... and let them resume the shield
of faith, which they ... and casts him out beyond the assembly of the saints. ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xxx the roman clergy.htm
1 Thessalonians iii. 8-May
... but is compelled to send Timothy to know their faith, "lest," he ... the tempter had
tempted you, and our labors should be in ... That the Saints knew not all things. ...
/.../homily iv 1 thessalonians iii.htm
Perseverance of Saints.
... the apostles and primitive ministers, full of faith, and zeal ... the fact of the fall
and ruin of real saints. ... truth of this doctrine, still I should expect that ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm
The Thessalonian Letters
... first, before the touch of immortality should be given ... A new splendor crowned the
Christian faith, and they saw ... so God will call the sleeping saints from their ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 25 the thessalonian letters.htm
Satan Considering the Saints
... not the Lord also consider how he should sustain his ... how many saints have been comforted
in their distress by ... Brethren, let us commit ourselves in faith to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm
The Form of Sound Words
... should death snatch away your pastor, or should anything occur ... as mountains be, abiding
in "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints," whereof ye ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the form of sound words.htm
But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
... this that her meeting with her Lord should be literally ... a figure of the rapture of
the heavenly saints before the ... Faith must be seen not at war with her poor ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter vii but whilst the.htm
Resources
Why do so many people struggle with a lack of faith? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome the fact that I am struggling with faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhere does faith come from? | GotQuestions.orgFaith: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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