Faith in the Bible is primarily defined as confident trust and assurance in God and His promises, even though they are not seen or fully understood. The closest biblical definition comes from Hebrews 11:1, which says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." This highlights the idea that faith involves believing in the reality of God's promises, even without physical evidence. Biblical faith is more than intellectual agreement or belief in facts; it is a deep trust in the person of God and His word, which leads to obedience and a transformed life. For example, Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness because he fully trusted God's promise, showing that faith includes a reliance on God's ability to fulfill His promises. Faith is not passive; it manifests in actions and obedience, reflecting genuine trust in God. The New Testament also connects faith with salvation, stating that people are saved through faith by grace (Ephesians 2:8). Moreover, faith grows by hearing and trusting God's Word, and it is a living reality demonstrated through service and obedience to God. In summary, faith in the Bible means:
- Confidence and assurance in God's promises despite not seeing them
- Trust in the character and actions of God
- An active, obedient response to God’s call
- The foundation for a relationship with God and salvation
- A dynamic trust that grows through hearing and experiencing God's faithfulness
Thus, faith is a combination of trust, belief, assurance, and obedience to God, intimately tied to one's relationship with Him and the hope of what is to come. This biblical faith is distinct from mere belief or positive thinking; it is a committed trust that affects how a person lives and acts.
