Topical Bible: Faith by It Saints are Supported

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Faith, as a fundamental tenet of Christian doctrine, serves as the cornerstone upon which the lives of the saints are built and sustained. It is through faith that believers are able to navigate the trials and tribulations of life, drawing strength and support from their unwavering trust in God. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how faith supports the saints, enabling them to persevere and remain steadfast in their spiritual journey.

Biblical Foundation of Faith

The concept of faith is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is often depicted as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). This definition underscores the essence of faith as a confident trust in God's promises, even when they are not immediately visible or tangible. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves a deep-seated reliance on God's character and His Word.

Faith in the Lives of the Saints

Throughout the Bible, the lives of the saints provide vivid illustrations of how faith supports and sustains them. Abraham, often referred to as the father of faith, exemplifies this principle. Despite the improbability of God's promise that he would become the father of many nations, Abraham believed and it was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3). His faith was the foundation upon which he acted, leaving his homeland and trusting in God's provision.

Similarly, the faith of Moses is highlighted as a source of strength and guidance. By faith, Moses chose to suffer with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin (Hebrews 11:24-25). His faith enabled him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, relying on God's power and promises despite overwhelming challenges.

Faith as a Source of Strength

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently emphasizes the role of faith in the life of a believer. In Ephesians 6:16, Paul describes faith as a shield, with which believers can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one . This metaphor illustrates how faith acts as a protective barrier, enabling saints to withstand spiritual attacks and remain firm in their convictions.

Moreover, faith is portrayed as a source of inner strength and resilience. In Philippians 4:13, Paul declares, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" . This statement reflects the empowering nature of faith, as it connects believers to the divine strength of Christ, enabling them to endure hardships and accomplish God's purposes.

Faith and Perseverance

The Epistle of James further elaborates on the sustaining power of faith, particularly in the context of trials. James 1:3-4 states, "Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" . Here, faith is depicted as a catalyst for spiritual growth and maturity, as it equips believers to persevere through difficulties and emerge stronger in their faith.

Faith in the Community of Believers

Faith is not only an individual experience but also a communal one. The early church, as described in the Book of Acts, thrived on the collective faith of its members. Acts 2:42-47 portrays a community devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, all of which were undergirded by a shared faith in Christ. This communal faith provided mutual support and encouragement, enabling the saints to grow together in their spiritual walk.

Conclusion

In summary, faith is the bedrock upon which the saints are supported, providing them with strength, guidance, and perseverance. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Scripture, it is evident that faith is an indispensable element of the Christian life, empowering believers to trust in God's promises and remain steadfast in their journey of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 27:13
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 4:10
For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... Thus Jacob supported his prayer to God by a vow ... So that prayer in its highest form
of faith is that ... We find all of God's saints in straits at different times in ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/i praying saints of the.htm

An Index to Find a Psalm Suited to Particular Subjects or ...
... Afflicted,. pity to them, [2]35, [3]41,. and tempted, supported, [4]55, [5]145,
[6]146; ... and faith of persecuted saints, [862]35, [863]37, [864]56; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/an index to find a.htm

Of Constancy in the Faith of the Resurrection.
... for the everlasting life of the saints, in which ... and neither fall away from the faith
nor decline ... Another, but less weightily supported reading, is, nam si in ...
/.../on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 25 of constancy in the.htm

Letter vii. --For 335. Easter-Day iv Pharmuthi, iii Kal. April; xx ...
... For wisdom hath builded her house, and supported it on ... which thou hast heard of me,
in faith and love ... food of the righteous, neither are the saints on earth ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter vii for 335 easter-day iv.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... Innumerable examples of the same kind occur in the Scriptures, from which it is
manifest that the faith of the saints was often mingled with doubts and fears ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ...
... There must be that in which strengthened the faith of those saints who read ... earth
have committed fornication" with her (v.2). Third, she is supported by "a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the last chapter we.htm

In what Way, on Collating the Consentient Opinions of the Ancient ...
... all, or the more part, have supported and confirmed ... are therefore churches of the
saints, because they continue steadfast in the communion of the faith. ...
/.../vincent/the commonitory of vincent of lerins/chapter xxviii in what way.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... to saints are conditioned upon their faith, and upon ... suspends the ultimate salvation
of the saints upon the ... nothing unless they are formed and supported by the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

Under the Trials of this Life.
... The saints, who to their Saviour cleave, In faith and in the Spirit live ... into the
fire is cast, And comes forth purified at last, So saints supported by God's ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/under the trials of this.htm

On the Councils, Or, the Faith of the Easterns.
... has moved certain Eastern bishops, late though it be, to some shame for the heresy
fostered and supported in those ... The faith of the saints knows nothing of ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/on the councils or the.htm