Have you ever wondered what faith is; maybe even afraid to ask anyone because you might sound stupid?  Faith is a controversial subject and is being presented differently even within the Church.  How can you be sure whether you are in faith?

The Bible clearly teaches us what faith is. And tells us it is impossible to please God without it (Hebrews 11:6)

So what does the Bible say about faith?

In the book of Hebrews, we find the definition of faith.  In chapter 11, the writer defines faith and then goes on to give us biblical examples of those who had faith.  This alone should debunk many peoples’ misconceptions about faith.

Hebrews 11:1 AMP Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].

Faith, this assurance, begins where the will of God is known and it comes directly from the Word of God!  Faith doesn’t come from circumstances, other people, your feelings, or by willpower.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15

There are hundreds of promises in Bible, and even where you might not know God’s specific will, you can be assured it is always and only good.  (Jeremiah 29:11, James 1:17).

Faith in God is NOT a onetime event that you participate in when you put your faith in Jesus’ forgiveness of your sins.  I think this is where a lot of people miss it.  They think faith is only needed for the forgiveness of your sins and then everything else that might come in life is simply up to God.  For more on understanding God’s sovereignty and our faith see my article faith and sovereignty at https://theexpressionsofhisgrace.com/faith-and-sovereignty/

But salvation is actually the entryway into a relationship with God by faith.  Faith is given to every born-again person when they receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  From that time on, we are to live a lifestyle of faith toward God.  We must continually feed our faith with His Word!  Amen

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one the measure of faith.

Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Finally, I love this scripture because I believe it is a beautiful picture of someone who lives their life by faith.  No one does this perfectly, but to the degree that you do, you will see God’s will come to pass in your life and experience the goodness of God manifested in every area of your life.

Colossians 1:4 AMP For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [the leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness] and of the love which you [have and show] for all the saints (God’s consecrated ones)