Confidence in and commitment to God and Jesus Christ. These attitudes remain sure even though the objects of faith are unseen. True faith is seen in obedient action, love and continuing good works.
The object of faith
God as the object of faith
Hebrews 11:6 See also Psalm 25:1–2, Psalm 26:1; Proverbs 29:25; 1 Peter 1:21
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Jesus Christ as the object of faith
John 14:1 See also John 3:16, John 3:18, John 3:36, John 6:68–69
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well.
False objects of faith
Human resources: Psalm 20:7; Hosea 10:13; Psalm 118:9 other people; Proverbs 28:26 self; Isaiah 42:17 idols
Faith is personal trust in God
2 Samuel 22:31 See also Psalm 18:2–6, Psalm 27:13–14; 1 Peter 2:23
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
True faith cannot be second-hand
2 Timothy 1:5 See also John 4:42
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.
Faith and assurance
Assurance accompanies faith
Hebrews 11:1 See also Romans 4:19–21; 1 Timothy 3:13; Hebrews 10:22
Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.
Faith may be mixed with doubt
Matthew 14:31 Simon Peter; Mark 9:24 the father of the boy with an evil spirit; John 20:24–28 Thomas
Faith and sight
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Faith as trust in what is unseen
John 20:29 See also 2 Corinthians 4:18; Hebrews 11:1–3, Hebrews 11:7, Hebrews 11:27
Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Faith looks towards an unseen future
Hebrews 11:13–14 See also Hebrews 11:8–10 Abraham; Hebrews 11:20–22 Isaac, Jacob and Joseph; Hebrews 11:24–26 Moses
All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own.
Faith and obedience
True faith is demonstrated in obedience
Romans 1:5; Hebrews 4:2 See also Romans 16:26; 2 Corinthians 9:13; 1 Peter 1:2
Through Him and on behalf of His name, we received grace and apostleship to call all those among the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.
For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it.
Examples of obedient faith
Noah builds the ark: Genesis 6:22; Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 12:4; Hebrews 11:8; Genesis 22:1–10; Hebrews 11:17; Exodus 14:15–16 Moses parts the sea.; Numbers 13:30, Numbers 14:8–9; Joshua 3:5–13 Joshua at the river Jordan; Joshua 6:2–5; Hebrews 11:30; John 21:4–6 Jesus Christ's disciples, fishing; Acts 26:19 Paul
Faith and works
True faith is demonstrated in good deeds
James 2:14–26 See also Philippians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Titus 1:1; 2 Peter 1:5
True faith issues in love
Galatians 5:6 See also Ephesians 1:15, Ephesians 6:23; 1 Thessalonians 3:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:8; 1 Timothy 1:5, 1 Timothy 1:14, 1 Timothy 4:12
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love.
True faith is constantly productive
Luke 8:15 parallels Matthew 13:23, Mark 4:20 See also John 15:1–5
But the seeds on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.