What is faith?
The Biblical Answer
Faith, as defined in Scripture, is a confident trust in God's character, His promises, and the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:1 provides the classic definition: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith gives substance and reality to what God has promised, even when we cannot see it with our eyes. It is the conviction that God is trustworthy and that His Word is true, regardless of our circumstances or feelings.
Biblical faith is not blind belief without evidence. God has provided ample evidence for faith through creation (Romans 1:20), through His Word (Romans 10:17), through fulfilled prophecy, and supremely through the person of Jesus Christ. Faith is a response to God's self-revelation. As Paul writes, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). When we encounter God's truth in Scripture and respond with trust and obedience, that is faith. It is reasonable, but it goes beyond mere reason to embrace what God has revealed.
Faith is the means by which we receive salvation. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8). Faith does not earn salvation; it receives the salvation that God offers as a gift. Saving faith has three components: knowledge (understanding the gospel), assent (agreeing that it is true), and trust (personally relying on Christ for salvation). Even the demons believe that God is one, but they do not trust in Him for salvation (James 2:19). Genuine faith involves the whole person: intellect, emotions, and will.
Faith is also the means by which we live the Christian life. Hebrews 11:6 declares, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Every step of the Christian journey is a step of faith: trusting God with our finances, our relationships, our future, our suffering, and our service. The righteous shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17). Faith is not a one-time decision but a lifelong posture of dependence on the God who is always faithful.
Key Verses
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 10:17
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
Ephesians 2:8
Recommended Bible Reading
Related Questions
Salvation is the deliverance from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ.
Grace is God's unmerited favor—His kindness toward us that we cannot earn or deserve.
Following Jesus means believing in Him, repenting of sin, and living according to His teachings.