Featured What is Faith, so often I hear it defined in gibberish.

I've been doing an extensive study on the question of faith. We are told in Hebrews 11:6 that without faith it is impossible to please God (in other words do God's will). Yet, when I read articles and books on the topic it is often written in gibberish. I say gibberish when I read spiritual language which does everything but answer the question. I've read many accounts that seriously limit what God clearly tell us is faith. As Christians I feel it is extremely important to understand this gift that only God can give.

Heb 11:1 gives a biblical answer to the question laying a framework that can be expanded on for clarity.

Here is an outline on the topic as I've begun assembling what I've learned.

Faith as a foundation on which we stand
Faith must be single and without wavering
Faith as confidence ion God
Faith as steadfastness of mind, courage and staying power
Hope a necessary ingredient of faith
Hope involves patiently waiting
Hope leads to reward or resolution
Hope bears fruit with patience
Hope involves the unseen and unknown
There is evidence in faith
God's faithfulness revealed in the process
God proves and tests our faith
We are to prove all things
Examine ourselves

Through my study I've restated Hebrews 11:1 as: Faith is this foundation on which we stand which through God's Holy Spirit gives us confidence, assurance, courage to remain steadfast, having boldness and steadiness of mind. It's in this confidence, this courage that we have assurance of what will come to pass (of course we must come to know God's will and walk in the Spirit). In following this hope which is of faith we build evidence, proof of God's acting in our lives, proof of the unseen activities God brings about to resolve his promises, deliver us, help us, comfort us and others. We see proof of answered prayers as we boldly go before God in his throne room. We have personal knowledge through the process that God is faithful, and come to know God as we see him acting in our lives and the lives of others.

 

I agree, that faith is a grace or gift that we can receive from God. The Bible makes this abundantly clear. This is a characteristic of faith rather than a definition.

I agree that we must have faith. It is listed as one of two commandments in 1 John 3:20-24. Also stating that we can have confidence toward God if our heart condemns us not. Asking we can know that we will receive, seeking we can know that we will find and knocking we can know that we will receive.

Not sure what you mean by "faith is always spoken of as by or through"

 

Faith is also said to have measure. Christ was given faith without measure, but all others are given faith by measure.

The disciples asked Christ how they could increase their faith and he answered with the parable of an unprofitable servant. Just doing what is required is not enough if we are to be profitable servants. The Bible does in several other scriptures explain what it is to be profitable to God.

 

I agree that faith is not something that can be worked up or can be developed from within ourselves the Bible makes that clear. As a Spirit led Christian we act by the faith God gives us, trusting in the promises God gives. We act through this same faith that God gives us.

 

When we say something like obedience to faith what does that mean? Faith must be exercised, acted on else our faith is dead (James 2:14-20). In exercising faith we become profitable servants, bearing the fruits of faith.

1 Tim 4:8 tells us to exercise unto godliness. Faith and love are some of God's traits we should exercise.

 

"pistis" Strongs number 4102 is actually a noun rather than a verb.

Do you know the point that some are making when they say it is a verb? I imagine they are trying to say something about what faith is. If you know please explain it, I would love to hear it.

 

Pisteuo (Strong's 4100) is actually the verb form meaning to "to have faith." This word comes from pistis (4102). Often "pisteuo" is translated "to believe" but it means "to have faith."

 

Thanks, I agree we are to believe or act on faith. It is commanded and necessary because without faith it impossible to please God.

In trying to understand God's word better. I like to clearly define terms that we as men use. Sometimes words or expressions take on meanings that not all participants in a conversation fully understand. I often hear what is said, but cannot be certain what is being said until it is fully explained. It is very easy to assume what is being said is what we have heard good or bad.

 

These scriptures do make it clear that we are not justified by our own works. When you go on in the chapter

Rom 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

17 (As it is written, I made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which is spoken, So shall thy seed be.
19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

We are not justified by our own works, but the Spirit leads us to act in faith, believing, trusting that God is more than able to perform what he promises that he will perform on that which he promises. It is a walk of life requiring action on our part. To walk is to be found doing. These are not our works, but the Spirit that leads as we become a new man in Christ.

Abraham was not weak in faith which also implies that he acted in faith more than a few times in his life. Faith must be exercised.

The act of believing is again not our own action, but we must act nevertheless in belief, trusting God, assured, confident in God's words as an act of faith.

 

Heb 11:1 in the KJV translates hupostatsis as "substance"

5287 hupostasis literally means “a standing under,” “that which stands, or is set under, a foundation, beginning.” according to the New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance. In Thayer’s Greek English Lexicon, we see that this word means 2. that which has a foundation, is firm. In particular for this verse 2a.that which has actual existence ; a substance, real being

In other words faith has substance in the sense it is real and it exists, being a firm foundation on which we can stand. Which leads to confidence, assurance, courage and other aspects ascribed to faith in other verses.

 

The world doesn't know God nor indeed can they even though the evidence of God surrounds us every waking hour.
As I'm sure you know 1 Cor 2:13-16, tells us that the natural man is unable to know spiritual things. Mankind in general has their own God and built their own body of knowledge which most often ignores God altogether. Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit and so cannot be known by men that God has given his Spirit of Truth and Understanding.

As a gift God gives us faith by measure as he sees fit (Rom 12:3) and that not before he draws us to him. God tells us that none can come to him unless he draws us (John 6:44).

Thanks, I love to hear it stated plainly. So often these days we hear people dance all around a subject measuring every word as they speak.

As John 6:44 tells us God brings us to him first. How? Before God draws us, we are deaf and blind, but when God calls us we can begin to know him. So God must have given us at least a small measure of his Spirit so that we can hear and can believe to some degree. God is our foundation with Christ our cornerstone. We can stand on God with whatsoever measure of faith that he gives us. Paul tells though we should covet the best gifts (1 Cor 12:31) that is spiritual gifts. 1 Cor 13 is a continuation of that verse telling us that love is the greatest gift of his Spirit. Faith is another.