Faith Introduction The Bible says And without faith

Faith

Introduction � The Bible says, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb. 11: 6). � Furthermore, 2 nd Corinthians 5: 7 says, “we walk by faith” and Hebrews 10: 38 says, “my righteous one shall live by faith. ” � Obviously, it is crucial that we have a proper concept of Christian faith.

Objective vs Subjective �In Sacred Scripture, the word “faith” occurs in two senses: • used objectively, it refers to the basis of faith, i. e. , the gospel (Acts 6: 7; Jude 3); • used subjectively, it refers to one’s personal faith trust, and confidence (John 8: 24; Rom. 1: 16 -17).

Definitions & Descriptions �Just what is meant by “faith? ” �Let us consider English and Greek definitions of the word, and also the Biblical description provided in Hebrews 11: 1.

English Definitions �One of the definitions given for “faith” in The Random House Dictionary is “confidence or trust in a person or thing. ” �The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines faith as “(1) complete trust or confidence; (2) strong belief in a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof. ”

Greek Definitions � Thomas defines pistis as derived from peithō [to persuade, to have confidence], meaning “faith, faithfulness” [4102]. � BDAG say this word (ranging in meaning from subjective confidence to objective basis for confidence), refers to “(1) that which evokes trust and faith; (2) state of believing on the basis of the reliability of the one trusted, trust, confidence; (3) that which is believed, body of faith/belief/teaching. ”

Descriptions of Faith �Consider the inspired description of faith that is found in Hebrews 11: 1 -2, which says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (NASB 95). �Alternatively, the KJV says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ”

Substance/Assurance �The Hebrew writer says that faith is the “substance” (KJV, NKJ) or “assurance” (ASV, NASV) of things hoped for. �Simply put, the word “substance” refers to that which stands under something as a foundation.

Evidence/Conviction �The Hebrew writer says that faith is also the “evidence” (KJV, NKJ) or “conviction” (ASV, NASV) of things not seen. �Simply put, evidence refers to that which is presented as proof in a court of law to convict or exonerate.

Faith is Based on Evidence �Faith is based upon solid evidence: eyewitness testimony, miraculous confirmation, and fulfilled prophecy (2 Pet. 1: 16 -21). �Each of these elements were present in Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).

Miraculous Confirmation �The truth of the gospel was confirmed by miracles (John 3: 1 -2; Mark 16: 17 -20; Heb. 2: 1 -4). �This powerful evidence was submitted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2: 1 -6, 33).

Fulfilled Prophecy �The truth of the gospel was confirmed by fulfilled prophecy (2 Pet. 1: 19 -21; Luke 24: 13 -27; Rom. 16: 25 -27). �This powerful evidence was submitted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2: 16 -31).

Eye-Witness Testimony �The truth of the gospel is confirmed by eyewitness testimony (Luke 1: 1 -4; Acts 1: 1526; 1 Cor. 15: 1 -8). �This powerful evidence was submitted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2: 14 -15, 32).

Conclusion �Faith is expressed through active obedience (Rom. 1: 1 -5; 16: 25 -27). �Faith only is wholly ineffectual (James 2: 14 -26). �Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all those who obey him (Heb. 5: 8 -9). �Have you obeyed the gospel?