If you look up the definition of faith, Google offers a variety of meanings: a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny; complete confidence in a person or plan; and loyalty or allegiance to a cause or person. Depending on the context, all of these short definitions are accurate descriptions of faith. However, I’d like to argue that these explanations fall short when it comes to fully capturing the true meaning of faith in a Christian context. So let’s turn to a far better source of truth and understanding: the Scriptures.
“Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Christian faith is an unwavering belief in the all-mighty God, Jehovah, who cannot visibly be seen, physically touched, or audibly heard. Christian faith is a belief in God’s son, Jesus Christ, who also cannot be perceived by earthly human senses. Through faith in God and Jesus, we can be undeniably certain of their unseen presence and of the promises they have made to us as recorded in the Bible.
“By faith we understand that the world has been created by the word of God so that what is seen has not been made out of things that are visible.” Hebrews 11:3
Faith not only means belief in God, but an understanding of what He has created for humanity, and a belief that His word is Truth. We have faith that in the beauty we see around us, we can see God. Through our faith in His works, we see His hand.
“But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”” James 2:18
Faith is not solely based on statements of belief. Christian faith is a lifestyle, a heart condition where belief is proven through daily actions that are constantly aligned with Scripture. If we truly have faith in God, we fully trust that His word is Truth and is thus worth following within our lives. There is no true faith without the works to prove it.
“Truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
Even an ounce of genuine faith can make all the difference. Faith is not to be underestimated, it is powerful and is capable of helping individuals achieve seemingly impossible tasks. Faith has the capability to transform.
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
There is no way to please God without a solid basis of faith in Him. Faith means that you must not only believe in God’s existence but also believe that He has a desire to reward His children who seek Him out and work to please Him.
To recap, Christian faith is powerful. It’s a faith made of the purest level of trust and belief. Faith, along with good works, is necessary to bring glory and praise to God and Jesus. Faith gives us assurance of God’s promises; hope for a better future, a time when there will be no more sickness or sorrow; hope for a time where there will be no more need for faith in the unseen, as we can see our Savior face to face, a place where only love reigns. “But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
- A Follower Of Christ