What is faith?
Faith is grace
Not a privilege
If your faith does not serve
Vain is your labour
Faith according to the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, faith is often depicted as trust and confidence in the LORD, characterized by obedience, reliance, and devotion. It’s a fundamental theme that runs through the narrative, showing how individuals and the nation of Israel relate to God.
Here are several verses that illustrate the concept of faith in the Old Testament, along with brief explanations:
Genesis 15:6 – Trust in God’s Promises
“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
This verse speaks of Abraham’s faith in God’s promise to make him a great nation despite his old age and lack of children at the time. Abraham’s belief was not just intellectual assent but a deep trust that led to obedience and it was credited to him as righteousness.
Exodus 14:31 – Faith Through Witnessing God’s Acts
“And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.”
After witnessing the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and their escape from Egypt, the Israelites’ faith in God and His servant Moses was strengthened. Their faith was a response to seeing God’s power and deliverance.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Reliance on God Rather Than Self
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of total reliance on God rather than on one’s own understanding or abilities. It calls for a faith that acknowledges God in every aspect of life, promising guidance and direction in return.
Habakkuk 2:4 – Faith as Living by Trust in God
“Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.”
This verse contrasts the proud with the righteous, highlighting that the righteous will live by their faith—faith in God’s justice, sovereignty, and promises. It suggests a way of life centered on trust in God.
Deuteronomy 31:6 – Courage Through Faith
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Moses encourages the Israelites with these words as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The verse highlights faith as trust in God’s presence and His unfailing support, which provides courage and strength in the face of challenges.
These verses collectively show that faith in the Old Testament involves a personal, trusting relationship with God, characterized by reliance on His promises, obedience to His commands, and confidence in His character.
Faith according to the New Testament
In the New Testament, faith is presented as a central element of the Christian life, emphasizing belief in Jesus Christ, trust in God’s promises, and a transformative relationship that leads to salvation and a life of righteousness. Here are key verses that illustrate the concept of faith in the New Testament:
Hebrews 11:1 – The Definition of Faith
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
This verse provides a foundational definition of faith in the New Testament. It describes faith as having confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This concept of faith encompasses trust in God’s promises and His character, even when they are beyond our physical perception.
Ephesians 2:8-9 – Faith and Salvation
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God that comes through faith, not by our own efforts or deeds. This highlights the grace of God as the basis for salvation, with faith being the means by which we receive it.
Romans 10:9 – Faith in Christ
“That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This verse underscores the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and in His resurrection as the foundation for Christian belief and salvation. It signifies that faith involves both a personal confession and a heartfelt belief.
James 2:17 – Faith and Deeds
“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
James addresses the relationship between faith and actions, arguing that genuine faith will naturally result in good deeds. This perspective emphasizes that faith is not merely intellectual assent but should be evidenced by a transformed life that produces works of righteousness.
Galatians 2:20 – Living by Faith in Christ
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Paul describes the transformative nature of faith, indicating that through faith in Christ, believers are united with Him in His death and resurrection. This union with Christ means living a life of faith that is characterized by trust in Jesus and reliance on His sacrificial love.
These verses collectively demonstrate that New Testament faith involves a deep trust in Jesus Christ and His work of salvation, a confident hope in God’s promises, and a life that reflects this faith through love and good deeds.
Faith according the teachings of Jesus
According to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, faith is a profound trust and reliance on God, characterized by a deep personal commitment, belief in the unseen, and an active response to God’s word. Jesus often emphasized faith as a key component in the relationship between individuals and God, highlighting its power to transform lives, enable miracles, and secure salvation. Here are several instances and teachings from the Gospels that illustrate Jesus’ perspective on faith:
Matthew 17:20 – Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed
Jesus said, “Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
Here, Jesus teaches that even a small amount of faith, if genuine, has immense power. The metaphor of the mustard seed highlights that the size of faith is not as important as the genuine trust in God’s power.
Matthew 21:22 – Faith and Prayer
“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”
Jesus connects faith directly with prayer, emphasizing that belief is a crucial element in receiving from God. This verse underscores the idea that faith involves trust in God’s willingness and ability to act on behalf of His people.
Mark 5:34 – Faith as a Means of Healing
“And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”
In this story of the woman with the issue of blood, Jesus highlights that her faith was instrumental in her healing. It wasn’t just Jesus’ power alone but her faith in His power that made her well, illustrating faith as an active, trusting response to Jesus’ authority.
Luke 17:6 – The Power of Faith
“And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”
Similar to the teaching in Matthew, this passage reiterates the powerful potential of even a small amount of faith to effect change in the physical world, emphasizing the limitless possibilities when one trusts in God.
John 11:25-26 – Faith in Jesus for Eternal Life
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”
In speaking to Martha before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus teaches about the central role of faith in Him for eternal life. This statement underscores faith as belief in Jesus’ identity and power, promising eternal life to those who believe.
Through these teachings, Jesus emphasizes that faith is not merely intellectual agreement but involves trust, reliance, and commitment to God. It has the power to change circumstances, bring about healing, and secure eternal life. Faith according to Jesus is relational, dynamic, and transformative, inviting individuals to trust in Him fully and live in response to His love and power.
Faith according to Mary, the mother of Jesus
Mary, the mother of Jesus, embodies faith through her life and actions, as depicted in the New Testament. Her faith is demonstrated primarily in her willingness to accept God’s will for her life, her trust in God’s promises, and her steadfast belief in the face of uncertainty. While the New Testament does not contain direct quotes from Mary defining faith, we can infer her understanding and experience of faith through her responses and actions.
Luke 1:26-38 (The Annunciation) – Trust and Submission to God’s Will
When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear a son, Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, her initial reaction was one of questioning how this could be since she was a virgin. However, once Gabriel explained that “with God nothing shall be impossible,” Mary’s response was one of humble acceptance and trust:
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)
This demonstrates Mary’s faith as trust and submission to God’s will, even when the path set before her was unprecedented and would undoubtedly lead to significant personal challenges.
Luke 1:46-55 (The Magnificat) – Joyful Trust in God’s Promises
Mary’s song of praise, known as the Magnificat, further illustrates her faith. She rejoices in God’s favor towards her and expresses confidence in God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises:
“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” (Luke 1:46-48)
Here, Mary’s faith is shown through her recognition of God’s might, holiness, and mercy. She trusts in God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants forever, showing an understanding of her place in the fulfillment of God’s plan.
John 2:1-5 (The Wedding at Cana) – Faith in Jesus’ Power
At the wedding in Cana, when the wine ran out, Mary demonstrated her faith in Jesus’ ability to address the situation. She told the servants, “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” (John 2:5)
This act of faith in Jesus’ capacity to perform a miracle, even before He had done so publicly, highlights Mary’s belief in her son’s divine mission and power.
Mary’s faith is characterized by her acceptance of God’s will, her trust in God’s promises, and her belief in Jesus’ divine power. Through her life, Mary exemplifies a profound and personal faith, grounded in a deep relationship with God and a steadfast trust in His word and promises.
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Tell me, where is your faith?
My faith is in Him, My Savior!
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
It’s natural to experience doubt on our spiritual journey; doubt can indeed be seen as a gift from an inquiring mind. Consider the example of Thomas, one of Jesus’ apostles. Despite witnessing Jesus’ miracles and teachings firsthand, Thomas struggled to believe something that seemed impossible—the resurrection—until he could verify it himself. Yet, in His infinite love and understanding, Jesus did not reject Thomas for his doubt. Instead, He met Thomas where he was, showing him His wounds and inviting him to touch them. This encounter led Thomas to utter one of the most powerful confessions of faith: “My Lord and my God.”
Doubt, therefore, is not the opposite of faith; it can be an invitation to a deeper relationship with God. It prompts us to seek answers, to question more deeply, and ultimately, to encounter God in a way that is deeply personal and transformative. Just like Thomas, our doubts can lead us to profound moments of revelation and trust in God’s presence.
If you’re seeking spiritual guidance in this journey, consider where you currently find yourself in your relationship with God. Reflect on your prayer life—whether it is established or something you wish to develop. Think about what you hope to achieve: a deeper relationship with God, greater peace, or clarity in a particular area of your life.
You may also explore the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, https://chatgpt.com/g/g-lBGf0kbQd-ignatian-spiritual-guide, which provide a structured approach to deepening your faith, engaging with scripture, and finding God in all things. If you are unfamiliar with these exercises, they begin with understanding God’s unconditional love for us, moving through self-reflection, understanding our purpose, and ultimately uniting more closely with Christ.
It can also be helpful to seek support from a spiritual director or faith community who can provide guidance and encouragement. Remember, your doubts are not a barrier but a doorway—an invitation from God to walk closer, to ask, to seek, and to find Him, even in the uncertainties.
And ask God for the gift of faith…
I hope this resonates with you, and is there a specific area where you feel you need more guidance or support? Feel free to reach out. I’m here to help.
Blessings to you!