Faith. It’s mentioned 229 times, but: What is faith? What can it do? How do we get it?
I recently looked up each time “faith” is mentioned in the Bible and here are some things I learned…
Faith is defined in the Bible as:
- The substance (confidence, assurance, firm trust) of things hoped for, and the evidence (conviction, proof) of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)
- It is judging Him faithful who promised. (Heb 11:11)
- It’s being assured of the promises, seeing them afar off, even though you haven’t received them yet. (Heb 11:13)
- Faith is the victory that has overcome the world. (1 John 5:4)
- And beautifully put, faith is believing that He is. (Heb 11:6)
What can faith do? I found several things in Scripture that faith can do. Here are a few:
- Heal
- Save
- Strengthen
- Purify hearts
- Sanctify
- Justify
- Give perfect soundness
- Nourish
- Establish and encourage
- Move mountains
- Give you access into grace
- Raise you up with Him
- Be accounted to you as righteousness
- Quench the fiery darts of the wicked one
How do we get faith? From God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit:
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The door of faith has been opened to us by God, and He deals us a measure of faith; Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith; and faith is a gift of the Spirit.
However, not all have faith. Your faith can fail. You can be weak in your faith. You can deny the faith. You can stray from your faith. You can depart from faith. And you can be disapproved concerning the faith.
But, you can examine yourself to see if you are in the faith. You can live your life in faith. Your faith can grow exceedingly. And you can perfect what is lacking in your faith.
You can be full of faith, rich in faith, have sincere and genuine faith, continue in faith, hold the mystery of faith, pursue faith, fight the good fight of faith, keep the faith, stand in faith, share your faith, walk in faith, love with faith, and ask in faith.
We have been given the shield of faith that can quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Without faith it is impossible to please God.
The genuineness of your faith is more precious than gold.
The end of your faith is the salvation of your soul.
Faith gives us access into grace.
May we be of the “household of faith” and live a life “by faith” and “through faith.”