The Bible defines faith as the complete assurance that we will obtain something that we cannot even see. The children of God wait with confidence and peace because we know in whom we have believed. Of course, our faith is in God and the closer we get to him, the more we grow in faith.
The definition of faith in the Bible
1. It is to have certainty
Now, faith is the guarantee of what is hoped for, the certainty of what is not seen.
(Hebrews 11:1)
As Christians, our faith is based on the certainty that God (the object of our faith) will do what we expect in his way and in his time. We do not ask at random like spoiled or craving children. We ask according to his will and base our requests on what pleases our God.
2. Pleases God and shows confidence in his promises
Actually, without faith it is impossible to please God, since anyone who approaches God has to believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
(Hebrews 11:6)
When we say that we have faith in God, we affirm that he is real in our lives and that he is the one who can grant our deepest requests and dreams. This affirmation pleases and gladdens the heart of our God. That faith in him confirms that we know that he has all the power to grant us what we long for today, and also to give us eternal life.
3. It is our response to God’s revelation
I am the Lord, and there is no other; Outside of me there is no God. Although you do not know me, I will strengthen you, so that they may know from east to west that there is no other besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other.
(Isaiah 45:5-6)
God tells us in his Word that there is no other God. But he is not left alone with words. He goes further and reveals himself to us. If we are attentive and give him a chance, we can experience his touch on our hearts and the strength he grants us to live a life that proves that he is the Lord of our hearts.
How is faith acquired?
1. Faith is a gift from God
For by grace you have been saved through faith; this does not come from you, but is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
God put faith in the human heart. The human being decides where he deposits that faith. When we put our faith in Jesus we choose to believe that his coming to earth, his miracles and his sacrifice on the cross were a reality and opened the door for us to receive salvation and eternal life.
2. God has given us all a measure of faith
By the grace given to me, I say to all of you: Let no one think of himself higher than he ought to think of himself, but rather think of himself with moderation, according to the measure of faith that God has given him.
(Romans 12:3).
Having faith requires humility, seeing ourselves as we are: human and finite. God gives us a measure of faith through which we recognize our need for him. We can increase that faith as we allow him to work in our hearts and transform us more into his image.
3. We must confess Jesus as Lord and Savior
This is the word of faith that we preach: that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Because with the heart one believes to be justified, but with the mouth one confesses to be saved.
(Romans 10:8-10)
Our faith begins in the depths of our hearts. Since Jesus is the King of our life, his love impels us to speak and share what God has done in us. Then, as we grow in our walk with Jesus, faith manifests itself through our actions, words, and decisions.
4. Believing that God’s promises are true
All the promises that God has made are “yes” in Christ. So through Christ we respond “amen” to the glory of God.
(2 Cor.1:20)
God’s promises were fulfilled in Jesus. Jesus’ ministry on earth was a ministry of power, healing, and salvation. We can safely trust that God continues to keep his promises. He still wants to heal, forgive and save. We can pray in the name of Jesus and say “amen” (so be it) without hesitation because God is still faithfulHe is still the same God.
Do you want to know more about faith? Read These 22 Bible Verses About Faith
What is the importance of faith?
1. By faith we receive forgiveness and salvation
For God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3:16)
God loved us so much that he sent his own son, Jesus, to die for us. By putting our faith in Jesus and believing in him, we receive forgiveness of our sins and go on to have eternal life.
2. Christ dwells in our hearts by faith
I ask that, through the Spirit and with the power that comes from his glorious riches, he will strengthen you in the depths of your being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.
(Ephesians 3:16-17)
By faith we decided to open our hearts to Jesus. His Spirit comes to dwell in us and strengthens us in everything.
3. It helps us overcome the world and our carnal tendencies.
…because everyone who is born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that overcomes the world: our faith.
(1 John 5:4)
Through our faith in Jesus we manage to overcome temptations and the tendency to sin. He empowers us to choose to please God instead of trying to indulge our every wish.
4. It protects us and helps us stand firm
In addition to all this, take the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the fiery arrows of the evil one.
(Ephesians 6:16)
God does not let us fight alone. He provides us with the armor we need to win the spiritual battle.
The shield that this verse tells us about was a large shield that Roman soldiers used for advancing. When we try to move forward in our walk with Jesus, doubts and attacks can arise on several fronts. If you hold on to the Shield of Faith well and learn how to use it, you will be able to quench these attacks from the evil one.
Read more about the armor of God: what it is and how you can use it
5. Open the door for us to experience miracles
-What do you want me to do for you? she asked him.
“Rabbi, I want to see,” answered the blind man.
“You can go,” Jesus told him. Your faith has healed you.
Instantly his sight returned and he began to follow Jesus along the road.
(Mark 10:52)
Faith gives us the certainty that God can do even what seems impossible. It opens the door for God to work, as we freely and confidently ask him. By faith we approach him so that he intervenes in all areas of our lives.
6. It transforms us and offers us a new beginning
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, it has become new!
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
Thanks to our faith we are new creatures. The old is left behind, we can start again full of hope clinging to the Lord. Faith enables us to look forward with the peace of knowing that it is in the best hands.
Remember that in order to have faith in God you must know him and cultivate your friendship with him. Spend time with God, seek to increase your faith. You will not regret.
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