Faith is the cornerstone of the Christian life. It influences every decision, sustains us through trials, and opens the door to salvation. The Bible declares, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6, NASB). Jesus Himself emphasized the necessity of faith for salvation, saying, “The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned” (Mark 16:16, NASB). But what is faith, how is it acquired, and what role does it play in the believer’s life? Let us explore these critical questions.
What Is Faith?
Faith can be understood in both a narrow and broad sense, each essential to our understanding of its role in the Christian life.
Faith in the Narrowest Sense: Belief in Testimony
Faith begins with belief in testimony. At its core, it is accepting the evidence presented about things unseen. As Jesus said, “Many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31, NASB). Without testimony, there is no foundation for faith.
This principle is crucial for those who have not had direct revelation from God. Where there is no testimony, there can be no belief. Testimony provides the foundation for saving faith, introducing us to the person of Christ and His work.
Faith in the Broadest Sense: Confidence and Trust in God
In its fullest sense, faith is complete trust in God’s promises and character. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen” (NASB). This “certainty” provides a solid foundation for our hope, allowing us to trust in God’s promises, even without seeing Him.
Faith also involves evidence. While we have not seen Christ physically, we have the testimony of His teachings, fulfilled prophecies, and the lives He has changed. This evidence is so compelling that it sustains our hope and trust in God. Abraham exemplifies this kind of faith: “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he left, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8, NASB). Abraham’s faith was rooted in trust, taking God at His word.
Faith is not blind belief but a reasoned and informed trust in God, supported by the evidence of His Word.
How Is Faith Acquired?
Faith is not an arbitrary gift or miraculous act. It is cultivated through engagement with God’s Word and is built on reason, evidence, and response.
Faith Comes Through Hearing
Paul makes it clear: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, NASB). Faith begins with the proclamation of the gospel. As people hear the Word of God and engage with its truth, they are invited to believe. This is evident throughout Scripture:
- The Bereans in Acts: In Acts 17:11, the Bereans were praised because they “received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” Their faith was a direct result of studying and verifying the truth of God’s Word.
- Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost: Peter’s message in Acts 2 convicted many in the crowd. After hearing the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection and His fulfillment of prophecy, the people responded with faith and asked, “What are we to do?” (Acts 2:37, NASB). Faith was the result of hearing and understanding the gospel.
Faith is not produced by feelings or miracles but by engaging with the truth of God’s Word. The gospel provides the evidence needed for faith to take root.
Faith Is Not a Miraculous Gift
Contrary to certain theological systems, such as Calvinism, faith is not a supernatural event that bypasses human responsibility. Calvinism often teaches that humans are spiritually dead like Lazarus, requiring divine intervention to believe. However, Jesus refutes this idea in His prayer for future believers: “I am not asking on behalf of these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word” (John 17:20, NASB). Faith comes through the testimony of Scripture, not a miraculous act.
Faith is cultivated by reasoning with Scripture, listening to the gospel, and responding in obedience.
The Purpose of Faith
Faith is not merely an abstract belief or an intellectual acknowledgment of God; it has a practical and eternal purpose in the life of a believer. Faith anchors us to God, provides direction in this life, and secures the hope of eternal life. Let us explore the multifaceted purposes of faith as revealed in Scripture.
Faith Brings Eternal Life
The ultimate purpose of faith is to connect us to the source of eternal life—Jesus Christ. Faith opens the door to salvation and gives us access to the abundant life Jesus promised: “But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31, NASB). Faith allows us to experience both the fullness of life here on earth and the promise of life in eternity with God.
Faith Leads to Obedience
Faith is not stagnant; it manifests in action. James famously wrote, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17, NASB). True faith compels us to live in alignment with God’s commands. This includes repentance, baptism, and a transformed life. Peter’s words at Pentecost demonstrate this: “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38, NASB).
Faith Sustains a Life of Service
Faith does not end at salvation; it sustains us through every aspect of life. It motivates us to serve others and to carry out God’s will in our daily lives. Paul highlights this in Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (NASB). Faith is the driving force behind a life lived for God’s glory, compelling us to serve selflessly, endure trials, and persevere in righteousness.
The Scope of Faith
Faith is not limited to a single moment or decision; it is a continuous, all-encompassing force that touches every aspect of life. From our relationships to our work, our struggles to our triumphs, faith is woven into the fabric of our existence.
Faith Stretches From the Cradle to the Grave
Faith begins early in life and grows with us. It starts with trust in those who care for us—parents, teachers, and mentors—but matures into trust in God as we learn of His promises. Just as a child relies on a parent, so we learn to depend on God for guidance, provision, and security.
Faith also sustains us in old age. It provides comfort and hope, even in the face of death. Paul’s declaration in 1 Corinthians 15:55 illustrates this: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (NASB). Faith gives believers confidence that death is not the end but the doorway to eternal life.
Faith Influences Daily Decisions and Relationships
Faith shapes how we interact with the world around us. It influences our ethical decisions, motivates us to treat others with love and kindness, and governs our relationships. Paul writes, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3, NASB). Faith teaches us to put others before ourselves, reflecting the selflessness of Christ.
Conclusion
Faith is essential to the Christian life. It is the means by which we receive eternal life, the force that compels us to obey God, and the foundation that sustains us in service and trials. It stretches across every aspect of life, giving meaning to our work, hope in our struggles, and peace in our hearts.
The purpose of faith is not only to save but to transform—to shape us into the image of Christ and to lead us into deeper relationship with God. Its scope is vast, influencing our relationships, decisions, and outlook on life. Faith is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey, guiding us from the cradle to eternity.
As Paul declared, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7, NASB). May we, too, hold fast to our faith, allowing it to shape every aspect of our lives and lead us to the eternal promises of God.
The Simple Gospel 