What Does the Bible Say About Faith?

 

 

Introduction

Faith is central to the Christian life. Without faith, we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is not merely belief in God's existence, but trust, reliance, and obedience to Him. This sermon explores what the Bible teaches about faith, living by faith, the works of faith, and how one truly demonstrates belief in God.

 

 

1. What Is Faith?

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.' Faith is not a vague hope; it is a firm confidence in God's promises. It is both trusting in who God is and in what He has said. James 2:19 notes that even demons believe God exists—but their belief is not saving faith. True faith is relational and results in action.

 

 

2. Living by Faith

Habakkuk 2:4 says, 'But the righteous will live by his faith.' This concept is repeated in Romans 1:17, showing that righteousness before God comes not by law or works, but by faith. Living by faith means daily trusting in God’s Word, resting in His character, and walking in obedience even when we cannot see the outcome.

 

 

3. The Works of Faith

James 2:17 declares, 'Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead by itself.' True faith produces obedience, love, sacrifice, and perseverance. Hebrews 11 gives a list of those who acted by faith—Noah built an ark, Abraham left his homeland, Moses chose to suffer with God's people. Faith is not passive; it is active. The works of faith include repentance, obedience to God's commandments, prayer, love, and endurance.

 

 

4. How Important Is Faith?

Hebrews 11:6 says, 'And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who draws near to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.' Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. Ephesians 2:8 makes it clear: 'For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.' Faith is how we receive salvation, and it is how we continue to walk with God.

 

 

5. How Can One Truly Demonstrate Belief in God?

Belief is demonstrated through obedience and relationship. Jesus said in John 14:15, 'If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.' 1 John 2:3–4 echoes this: 'By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.' True belief is not just lip service—it is evidenced by surrender, trust, obedience, love for others, and perseverance in trials.

 

 

Conclusion

Faith is not a vague belief in a higher power. It is a deep, abiding trust in the living God that transforms our lives. Faith obeys, faith loves, and faith perseveres. It is by faith we are saved, and by faith we live each day to the glory of God.

 

 

To God Be the Glory

Galatians 2:20 (LSB): 'I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.'

 

 

Referenced Scriptures (LSB):

 

Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

 

Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who draws near to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

 

James 2:17, “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead by itself.”

 

James 2:19, “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.”

 

Romans 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'But the righteous will live by faith.'”

 

Habakkuk 2:4, “Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him, But the righteous will live by his faith.”

 

Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

 

John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

 

1 John 2:3–4, “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, 'I have come to know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

 

Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”