What is faith? The Bible definition. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Heb 11:1). “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Heb 11:6)
Bible faith and hope are tied together inseparably. We are convinced that God is and will keep His promise of giving us eternal life. Eternal life is that hope based upon faith in God. When we get to heaven, there will no longer be faith and hope. Why would faith and hope cease to be? “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” (Rom 8:24-25)
But there is more than definitions to faith. How faith acts – what it does – how it feels? The last phrase of Hebrews 11:6, “He rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Earnestly seek – there is action in Bible faith. Indeed, Bible faith always acts. (James 2:26) Bible faith, then, is not merely, "I believe there is a God” Faith is seen in the fruit it bears and in the feelings and emotions that come from that faith. Read on and see.
Faith is a happiness and security that does not rest in circumstances and outside forces. It lies within.
Circumstances can change – lose your job, health issues, savings gone, oops, there goes happiness. Many think happiness is tied to the external, the person scrambles about trying to hold it all together. With faith, it just doesn't matter what goes on in this world, the Christian is happy and secure in Jesus Christ.
Paul and Silas are excellent examples. “The magistrates ordered Paul and Silas to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God.” (Acts 16:22-25) Paul and Silas were beaten and put in prison, yet singing. The punishment hurt, but the outer circumstances did not control their lives. Their happiness and security lay within.
Faith is putting God first in your life.
When we really believe, God is placed first and there is no one and nothing else! (Matt. 6:33) Joseph is an example. (Gen. 39:9)
Faith is joyful expectation.
Looking for the best in all things. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7) Not, I'll resign myself to bear what life brings so that I can get to heaven. You've seen it, people walking about with slack faces, no expression; expecting the worse, and guess what? Faith is a positive view of the future. (Rom 8:24-25) Faith is wrapped in hope and confident God is working in your life and that good things will happen.
Faith is growth. (2 Cor. 4:16)
People are super-conscious of the aging process. Millions spent trying to cover and retard that process. Faith not that concerned with the outer, for in spiritual growth the inner person becomes more beautiful every day. (1 Pet 3:3-4)
Faith believes God is working in your life.
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19) Romans 8:28, 31; Eph. 3:20)
The road of life has many bumps. You can get knocked down and wonder where God is. Whatever life hands out, if we hold on – we believe God is in control, and works all for our good and His glory. I always trusted Helen. I knew she would never do me harm, but only good. I knew she would always be there for me. How did I know that? I just believed – that’s faith.
This is the way it is with God, but it takes time for strong faith to grow. But faith can never develop unless you live with God. Live from within to without. Forget self and look to God.
Faith is to have a goal.
There are many goals in life. That is good and desirable provided they are honest and honorable. Bible faith has a goal that stretches into eternity. (Phil 3:7-14, 20)
Faith understands that our citizenship is in heaven, not on earth.
“Our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory” (Phil 3:20)
It’s easy to be attached to this world as though we will live on earth forever. Faith understands that the earthly journey is temporary. This is not to say that we should sit and wait to die. No, indeed, we should live and enjoy life to the fullest and be productive. Only remember, you rent and don’t own.
Faith is staking your very existence on what you believe.
Moses thought long term. “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.” (Heb 11:24-26)
Though it meant trouble and hardship, Moses chose to be with God and His people and ultimately eternal life, rather than immediate and temporary gratification. Faith is to recognize and joyfully accept life-giving reproofs in view of the eternal reward. “For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life.” (Prov 6:23) See also Romans 5:1-5
Faith honors God.
How? Being and becoming our very best – people of honesty, truth, and integrity.
Conclusion: Bible faith gives strong mental and emotional security and a sense of well-being. This faith can be seen in your life.
