What is Faith? It is trust, assurance, and belief in God, knowing all things come from Him. Living faith is demonstrated by service and obedience to God. Here's how Apostle Paul defined faith in the Bible:
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." (Hebrews 11:1-3)
What is Faith?
Faith is one of those words that is commonly used but not always understood. Some of that confusion comes from how the word faith is used in everyday conversation; a quick look at Dictionary.com shows seven different uses! One common way people use the word faith is to refer to belief in something despite lacking any evidence. But is that what the Bible means by faith? The answer is a resounding no! So, when the Bible uses the word faith, what does it mean?
The Bible's closest to offering an exact definition is Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” From this particular passage, we see that the central feature of faith—is confidence or trust. In the Bible, the object of faith is God and his promises. A clear example of this is Abram's encounter with God in Genesis 15. In response to God's promise of countless descendants, Abram “believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness” (Gen 15:6). Commenting on this, the Apostle Paul writes, “No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:20-21). Thus, faith means trusting God and having confidence that he will fulfill his promises.
What is the Biblical meaning of faith?
Pastor John McArthur speaks of the Biblical meaning of faith: "Some say faith is merely believing certain facts. One popular Bible teacher says saving faith is nothing more than confidence in the divine offer of eternal life.
Biblically, however, the object of faith is not the divine offer but the Person of Jesus Christ. Faith in Him is what saves, not just believing His promises or accepting facts about Him. Saving faith has to be more than accepting facts. Even demons have that kind of faith (James 2:19).
Believing in Jesus means receiving Him for all He is (John 1:12). It means confessing Him as Savior and yielding to Him as Lord. In fact, Scripture often uses the word obedience as a synonym for faith (cf. John 3:36; Acts 6:7; Hebrews 5:9)."
Genuine faith in the Bible is reflected in everyday life. James emphasizes that faith without corresponding actions is dead (James 2:17). Faith operates through love to produce concrete evidence of its existence in a person's life (Gal. 5:6). In other words, the obedience that pleases God is the result of faith (Rom 1:5; 16:26) rather than a mere sense of duty or obligation. The difference between a husband who buys flowers for his wife out of love and one who does it merely out of obligation is significant.
Faith is incredibly important because it is the means through which we establish a relationship with God. As it's written in Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace you have been saved through faith." Faith is how we receive the gifts of what Jesus has done for us - he lived a life of perfect obedience to God, died to pay the penalty for our sinful nature, and by His Resurrection, defeated sin, death, and the devil. By putting our trust and faith in Jesus, we receive forgiveness for our sins and the gift of eternal life.
What is faith? New Testament examples
Faith is all about trust—believing that something is true and putting our confidence in it. The Bible teaches that faith is built on trust in God's Word because it is true and reliable (Philippians 1:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Faith doesn’t happen overnight; it grows as we learn more about God and see His faithfulness in our lives.
Romans 10:17 reminds us that faith comes from hearing God's Word. It’s more than just knowledge; true faith means trusting God with our hearts and acting on that trust. Jesus demonstrated this in John 10:38, showing that knowing Him leads to deeper belief.
A great example of faith in action is found in Matthew 9:27-30, where two blind men asked Jesus to heal them. Jesus asked if they believed He could do it, and they responded, “Yes, Lord.” He then said, “According to your faith let it be to you,” and their sight was restored. Their faith was their assurance and trust in Jesus, even before they saw the results.
Saving faith is more than believing Jesus existed; it’s fully trusting in Him for salvation and surrendering our lives to Him. The Assembly's Shorter Catechism defines it well: “Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, where we receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation, as He is offered to us in the Gospel.”
Examples of faith in the Old Testament
The Old Testament is filled with powerful examples of faith—stories of people who trusted God even when circumstances seemed impossible. One of the most well-known examples is Abraham, often called the "father of faith." In Genesis 12, God called Abraham to leave his home and go to a land He would show him. Without knowing where he was going, Abraham obeyed, trusting God's promise to make him into a great nation. Later, in Genesis 22, his faith was tested even further when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham trusted that God would provide, and his unwavering faith was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3).
Another powerful example is Moses, who demonstrated faith by leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Despite his own doubts and weaknesses, Moses trusted God’s power to work through him. From confronting Pharaoh to parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14), Moses relied on God’s guidance every step of the way. His faith in God’s promises sustained him through years of challenges in the wilderness as he led the people toward the Promised Land.
Noah is another incredible example of faith. In a world filled with wickedness, God instructed Noah to build an ark to prepare for a flood that had never been seen before (Genesis 6-9). Despite the ridicule he may have faced, Noah obeyed and built the ark, trusting in God’s word. His faith saved his family and preserved the future of humanity.
These Old Testament stories remind us that faith isn’t just about believing in God—it’s about trusting Him enough to obey, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Whether facing trials, waiting on God’s promises, or standing firm in difficult situations, these examples inspire us to trust God with unwavering faith in our own lives.
Jesus is the source of faith
Jesus is the source of our faith because Jesus is the son of God. Jesus gives us living water by which we can be saved through grace. That grace and mercy are given to us by God. Faith is from God (Ephesians 2:8). God gave His one and only Son to atone for our sins. What a precious gift! We don’t deserve this most extravagant gift. Yet, God loves us so much that He decided to give His Son so that we may live (John 3:16).
Jesus was born in humble surroundings, lived a life of servanthood, preached to thousands, healed the sick, followed the will of His Father, and gave the ultimate sacrifice for us.
The wounds and agony Jesus suffered on the cross help us remember the dedication and love of Father and Son. The grief of his mother, Mary, and the followers of Jesus, are shared in Scripture.
Hearing or reading the word of God can bring us closer to Him. Through sharing fellowship, good times, and difficult times, we can call to Jesus and have faith He is with us.
Jesus intercedes for us when we pray to God.
At the end of prayers, the words “In the name of Jesus” may be spoken, written, or thought. With those words, we are asking Jesus to intercede on our behalf. (excerpt by Melissa Henderson, What Does it Mean to Have Faith in Jesus?)
What does "Walk by faith, not by sight" mean?
In (2 Corinthians 5:7), Paul explains to the Corinthians that even though this temporary realm we live in may seem like a physical barrier between us and God—through Christ, we are able to have fellowship with God via the invisible realm of faith.
Similarly, in (John 20:29) and (1 Pet 1:8) we see the same evidence that there is more to Truth than meets the eye. Though none of us has physically seen God, we can know He is real, His words and ways are good, and He’s trustworthy. How? Through living with faith.
When we use faith as an interpretive filter, it changes how we see things and how we live. No longer are we bound to a finite understanding of life, dependent on our senses and intellect. Through faith, we tap into the infinite insight only God can provide. Armed with this new perspective, a believer can live out their God-given calling through Christ’s strength and power rather than their natural understanding.(excerpt by Annette Griffen, 3 Practical Ways to Walk by Faith and Not By Sight)
What does "faith without works is dead" mean?
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also (James 2:26).
According to James, in his letter to the scattered believers in Jerusalem, a man is justified by works and faith (James 2:24). He concluded that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Faith without works is likened as a body without a spirit.
This excellent illustration is consistent with the words of our Lord Jesus: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Clearly, the determinant here is the Spirit of God.
Just as a body can be dead or living, a dead faith (without works) and a living faith (with works) cannot coexist in the same person. The dead faith is a sign of an unchanged, spiritually dead heart. Faith without works is dead because it does not reveal the transforming work of the Holy Spirit manifested in the fruit of righteousness in a person’s life (Ephesians 5:8-10; Philippians 1:9-11). (excerpt by Joel Ryan, "What Does James 2:26 Mean by 'Faith Without Works is Dead'?")
What is the difference between faith and belief?'
The difference between faith and belief can seem subtle, but it's actually pretty significant when we dig into what the Bible says. Belief is more about acknowledging something as true—like believing that God exists or that Jesus is the Son of God. But here’s the thing: belief alone isn't enough. James 2:19 reminds us that even the demons believe in God, and they tremble! That means belief, on its own, doesn’t necessarily change us or bring us closer to God. It’s when belief grows into faith that things start to shift.
Faith goes beyond just knowing something in our heads; it’s about trusting God with our whole hearts and living in a way that reflects that trust. Hebrews 11:1 puts it beautifully, saying that faith is "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." It’s choosing to trust God’s promises even when we don’t fully understand how things will turn out. And faith isn’t passive—it’s active. Just we saw in James 2:26 that faith without works is dead, real faith naturally leads us to action. When we truly have faith, we’re not just sitting back believing in God; we’re stepping out in trust, following Him, and aligning our lives with His Word.
So, while belief is the first step—recognizing who God is—faith is what takes us deeper. It’s leaning into Him, depending on Him, and letting that trust shape how we live every day. It’s the difference between saying “I believe in God” and actually walking in relationship with Him, trusting Him with our fears, decisions, and future.
What is a profession of faith?
To put it simply, a profession of faith is publicly declaring your faith journey with Christ. As mentioned before, this can happen through baptism, an outward symbolism of an inner relationship with God. It can also occur by other means, such as sharing one's testimony.
Testimonies can range widely. They can be from a believer who has believed their whole life to a Satanist who decided to dedicate their lives to God when the Gospel convicted them. Everyone has a different story, and we are encouraged to share what we have experienced in Christ with others.
Baptism is an outward act to symbolize a changed life and profession of faith. Scripture tells us in Acts 2:41, "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." and in Acts 22:16: "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’" Here, we need to make a distinction. The act of baptism itself does not save someone. It's merely symbolic to represent the death to self (being put in the water) and being resurrected in Christ (being pulled up to the surface). See Ephesians 2:8-9 on what is necessary for salvation. (excerpt by Hope Bolinger, What is a Profession of Faith?)
How do you increase faith?
Having faith in God is something that grows over time as we seek Him with our whole hearts. Faith isn't just something we muster up on our own; it's a gift from God that He gives to those who truly desire it. If we want to strengthen our faith, we need to take intentional steps to draw closer to Him—through prayer, reading the Bible, and living in obedience to His Word.
One powerful way to build faith is through prayer. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul encouraged the believers in Philippi not to be anxious or worried, but instead to bring everything to God in prayer. He told them to pray with thanksgiving and trust, and in doing so, they would experience God’s peace—a peace that goes beyond human understanding. As they followed Paul’s guidance and turned to God with their concerns, their faith grew stronger. The same is true for us today. When we take our worries and needs to God in prayer and trust Him to take care of them, our faith deepens.
Another important way to grow in faith is by studying the Bible. Romans 10:17 reminds us that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The more we fill our hearts and minds with Scripture, the more our faith is strengthened. The Bible is filled with incredible stories of God’s faithfulness—from parting the Red Sea to providing for His people in the wilderness, to Jesus calming the storm. When we read about how God has worked in the lives of others, it helps us to trust that He will work in our lives too.
Today, we have access to God’s Word in so many different forms—whether it’s reading the Bible in print, listening to it through audio, or studying it through devotionals and sermons. The more we immerse ourselves in it, the more confident we become in God's promises and His ability to guide us through any challenge.
So, what is faith, really? Faith is more than just believing that God exists; it’s trusting Him completely. It’s having confidence that He loves us, hears our prayers, and is working all things for our good. True faith is demonstrated in how we live—through obedience, service, and surrender to God’s will.
If you're looking to grow in faith, start by asking God to help you. He promises to give us faith when we seek Him earnestly. Spend time in prayer, read His Word regularly, and surround yourself with others who encourage you in your walk with Christ. As you do, you'll find your faith becoming stronger, and your trust in Him deeper.
Key Bible Verses about faith
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Mark 11:22-24 - And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
James 2:19 - You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Inspiring faith quotes
“Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.” - Max Lucado
“Faith, in the sense in which I am here using the word, is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods.” - C.S. Lewis
"Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God." - A.W. Tozer
“Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” - Oswald Chambers
“Faith is a living and unshakable confidence. A belief in God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake.” - Martin Luther
Read more: Inspiring Faith Quotes.
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