The Bible’s Definition of Faith

In Hebrews 11:1, we find that "Faith is the substance (or possibly, "the guaranty") of things hoped for, the evidence (or "convincing proof") of things not seen." That is, faith is simply reliance upon a God known to be trustworthy. Such reliance enabled the believer to treat the future as present and the invisible as seen. In this context faith is being certain and convinced about unseen hopes and realities. What God says becomes “substance”. We see His promises as realities and His Word as a living will.

This makes our belief in God’s Word as sure and certain. We believe in the character of God because we believe He is who He says He is. This causes us to believe in His promises; He will do what He says He will do. Thus we see true faith as believing that God will fulfill His promises, though they have not yet materialized.

Faith is a commitment of one’s life to the Word of God. Faith is not just a single act, though it often begins with a single act. Nor is it only a body of doctrine to which one gives assent, though what one believes can be described in statements of faith.

Faith is a process. We grow in faith and in knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. This fact can be seen in scripture. The disciples ask for an increased faith (Luke 17:5). Faith continues to grow (1 Cor. 3:1-6; 2 Cor. 10:15). Luke describes Jesus’ childhood development as growing “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

Faith is Essential in Prayer

James. 1:5, 6. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed (KJV).

Should be United with Love

1 John 3:23. And this is His commandment, "That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment."

Justification By:

Habakkuk 2:4. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith

Romans 5:1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:6. Even as Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.

Philippians 3:9. And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which if of God by faith.

REVIEW THE FOLLOWING TOPICAL STUDIES IN FAITH TO GAIN A FULLER REVELATION OF FAITH:

Faith Accesses Grace

AUDIO SERMONS ON FAITH BY DEREK PRINCE:

Faith and Works - Parts 1 and 2

http://youtu.be/DM68DJuZRuA

http://youtu.be/BadnEYZ4Wq8

7. Through Repentance to Faith

http://youtu.be/6A2D9OTlYfg

Through Repentance to Faith

http://youtu.be/6A2D9OTlYfg