Topical Bible: Faith: Through It Is: Spiritual Life

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Topical Encyclopedia

Faith, as a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is the foundation upon which spiritual life is built. It is both a gift from God and a response to His revelation, enabling believers to live in accordance with His will. The Bible presents faith as essential for salvation, spiritual growth, and daily living.

Definition and Nature of Faith

Faith is described in Hebrews 11:1 as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This definition underscores faith as both a confident trust in God's promises and a conviction in the unseen realities of His kingdom. It is not merely intellectual assent but involves the whole person—mind, heart, and will—responding to God's truth.

Faith as a Gift from God

Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "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." Faith is thus portrayed as a divine gift, bestowed by God's grace, enabling individuals to receive salvation. This underscores the belief that human effort alone cannot achieve righteousness; rather, it is through faith that one is justified before God.

Faith and Salvation

The role of faith in salvation is central to Christian theology. Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Faith is the means by which believers are justified, or declared righteous, before God. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that one receives forgiveness of sins and is reconciled to God.

Faith and Spiritual Growth

Faith is not static but dynamic, intended to grow and mature over time. 2 Peter 1:5-7 encourages believers to "make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." This passage illustrates the progressive nature of faith, which should lead to the development of Christian virtues and deeper spiritual maturity.

Faith in Daily Living

Faith is integral to the believer's daily life, influencing decisions, actions, and attitudes. James 2:17 asserts, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Genuine faith manifests in works, demonstrating its authenticity and vitality. It is through faith that believers are empowered to live out their calling, trusting in God's provision and guidance.

Faith and Trials

Trials and challenges are an inevitable part of the Christian journey, and faith plays a crucial role in navigating these difficulties. James 1:2-3 advises, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Trials serve to refine and strengthen faith, producing perseverance and spiritual resilience.

Faith and the Community of Believers

Faith is not only personal but also communal, as believers are called to encourage and build one another up in faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." The community of faith provides support, accountability, and encouragement, fostering spiritual growth and unity.

Conclusion

Faith is the lifeblood of spiritual life, encompassing belief, trust, and obedience to God. It is through faith that believers are justified, sanctified, and ultimately glorified. As a dynamic and living reality, faith shapes every aspect of the Christian life, from salvation to daily conduct, and is essential for enduring trials and fostering community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 20:31
But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through his name.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... 3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more
highly of himself than he ought to think ... faith is spiritual, the gift of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

3050. logikos -- reasonable, rational
... ie "what is " (logic working through the known through faith). ... to eternity when done
in faith ("divine ... reasonable, rational NASB Word Usage spiritual (1), word ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3050.htm - 7k

5591. psuchikos -- natural, of the soul or mind
... life alone (ie apart from God's inworking of faith). ... contrast to 4152 ("spiritual") --
the higher, spiritual aspect of humanity that develops through (4102 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5591.htm - 8k

Library

Faith and Life
... through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue." These two
verses, you see, concern the spiritual life which comes with the faith. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/faith and life.htm

The Spiritual Life
... evils as sins believes; consequently to shun evils as sins is the sign of faith. ...
When the spiritual internal is opened, and through it communication with ...
/.../swedenborg/spiritual life and the word of god/part firstthe spiritual life.htm

Prayer and Faith (Continued)
... And faith follows prayer, since the spiritual life into which a ... is led by prayer,
is a life of faith. ... into which believers are brought through prayer, is not a ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ii prayer and faith continued.htm

Clifford -- the Forgiveness of Sins
... approximate to it, and it is through these approximations ... are lifted to the heights
of spiritual achievement, and ... Lord," When a man asserts his faith in Jesus ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/clifford the forgiveness of.htm

The Life of Faith.
... I include ill-success, corporal infirmities, and spiritual weakness ... In all these,
faith finds its food and support ... It pierces through all, and clings to the hand ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/section v the life of faith.htm

Synopsis. --Account to be Made of the Law of Atrophy through ...
... Christian thinkers has not been reached through breaches made ... less assailable defences
for their faith in it ... The Revelation of Jesus was altogether spiritual. ...
/.../whiton/miracles and supernatural religion/vii synopsis account to be made.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... But the Spirit wrought faith in me, and I believed. ... the blood of the Lamb, and through
the power ... no surface work, but deep, inner, spiritual life, wrought in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

Strength and Indwelling.
... that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye ... Paul asks for two great spiritual
blessings, the inward ... (1) "Strengthened with power through His Spirit ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/viii strength and indwelling.htm

The Disciple, -- O Master, Fountain of Life! Why Dost Thou Hide ...
... they have no true apprehension of or faith in Me ... in their hearts bringing to them
spiritual life and peace ... see that happiness of mind or heart through which they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple .htm

The Intercessory Prayers of Christians
... The spiritual life received from Christ motivates a Christian to ... It was his faith
in his friend's reputation ... to continue on his journey through the enveloping ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 8 the intercessory prayers.htm