Topical Bible: Faith by It Saints: Stand

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Importance

Faith is a central tenet of Christian doctrine, representing a firm belief and trust in God and His promises as revealed in the Scriptures. It is through faith that believers are justified, sanctified, and ultimately glorified. The Bible emphasizes that faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on God, leading to obedience and action.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of faith is foundational in both the Old and New Testaments. 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 rooted in the character and promises of God, who is faithful and true.

Faith in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, faith is exemplified by the patriarchs and prophets who trusted in God's promises despite not seeing their fulfillment in their lifetimes. Abraham is often highlighted as a model of faith; Genesis 15:6 states, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" . This belief was not passive but was demonstrated through his actions, such as leaving his homeland and being willing to sacrifice Isaac.

Faith in the New Testament

The New Testament further develops the concept of faith, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of Paul. Jesus frequently commended those who demonstrated faith, as seen in Matthew 9:22, where He tells the woman healed of her bleeding, "Take courage, daughter, your faith has healed you" . The Apostle Paul expounds on faith as the means by which believers are justified before God, as seen in Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" .

Faith and Works

While faith is the means of justification, it is not devoid of works. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead" . True faith manifests in obedience and good works, which are the fruit of a genuine relationship with God.

Faith of the Saints

Throughout church history, the saints have stood firm in their faith, often in the face of persecution and trials. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Hall of Faith," recounts the accounts of many who "by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised" (Hebrews 11:33). These individuals serve as examples and encouragement for believers to persevere in their own faith journeys.

Faith as a Gift and a Call to Stand

Faith is both a gift from God and a call to stand firm in the face of adversity. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that faith is a gift: "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" . Believers are called to stand firm in their faith, as exhorted in 1 Corinthians 16:13: "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong" .

Conclusion

The saints' steadfastness in faith serves as a testament to the power and reliability of God's promises. Through faith, believers are empowered to live lives that honor God, trusting in His ultimate plan and purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 11:20
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Be not high minded, but fear:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 1:24
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith you stand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Whole of that in which we Appear Before God, Justifies Us. But ...
... I know, the saints who will be placed before the ... Justice, have had Faith, and through
Faith have performed ... But, I think, they appear and stand before God with ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article xxv v the whole.htm

The Communion of Gifts.
... The saints stand in the faith and have peace only when, in so far, and
as long as they possess Immanuel. He is their One and All. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvii the communion of gifts.htm

The Perseverance of the Saints
... sentiments respecting the perseverance of the saints are, that ... been grafted into
Christ by true faith, and have ... his hand; and, provided they stand prepared for ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/v the perseverance of the.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... Old Testament history is filled with accounts of praying saints. ... in the hearing of
Israel, "Sun, stand thou still ... Samuel was hers by a conscious faith and a ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/i praying saints of the.htm

Modern Examples of Prayer
... preachers of David Brainerd's spirit, and nothing can stand before them. ... Lord, increase
my faith.". ... and who belonged to that company of praying saints which has ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... and to saints are conditioned upon their faith, and upon ... to the Son secure the
bestowment upon the saints of all ... of God in his hands, to stand and persevere ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

Strong and Loving
... proves, and so they needed to be bidden to 'stand fast in the faith.' Their slothful ...
deal with in Corinth, which yet he called a Church of saints, and for ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/strong and loving.htm

On the Justification of Man Before God
... and charity, and however numerous and excellent the works of faith, hope and ... make
when they assert, that the works of the Saints cannot stand before the ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 19 on the justification.htm

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's ...
... your unsound saying will do you no good: 'Faith gives being ... and that they were written
to other saints, would be ... my words as they lie, and I stand still thereto ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/peaceable principles and true or.htm

God and his Saints
... singer, with so much less to feed his faith than we have ... of the security and guardian
care of the saints, and there ... As the words stand in our Bible, they are as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/god and his saints.htm