Faith, origins of

Faith is a gift from God himself and is not to be seen as the result of human striving or achievement. Faith is inspired by the word and works of God.

Faith is a gift from God

John 6:63–65; Ephesians 2:8–9 See also Matthew 16:15–17; Mark 9:24; Luke 17:5; Acts 3:16, Acts 14:27, Acts 18:27; Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 1:29; James 2:5

The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. However, there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him.) Then Jesus said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has granted it to him.”

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.

Faith comes through God's word

Faith following a direct word from God

Hebrews 11:29–30; Exodus 14:15 Moses receives God's instructions at the Red Sea; Joshua 6:2–5 Joshua receives God's instructions concerning Jericho; Acts 27:23–25

Faith through the Scriptures

John 2:22, John 20:30–31; 2 Timothy 3:15

Faith comes through hearing God's word preached

Romans 10:14–17 See also Isaiah 52:7, Isaiah 53:1; John 1:7, John 4:41–42, John 17:20; Acts 11:19–21; 1 Corinthians 2:4–5

How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Faith comes through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ

John 9:35–38, John 20:26–28

Faith comes through witnessing miracles

John 14:11 See also John 2:11 the miracle at the wedding feast; John 4:53 Jesus Christ heals an official's son.John 11:45, John 12:11 Acts 9:42 the raising of Tabitha

Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me — or at least believe on account of the works themselves.

Faith based on knowledge of God

Knowledge of God's faithfulness leads to faith

Psalm 46:1–3; Lamentations 3:19–24; Nahum 1:7; Acts 2:25–26

Knowledge of God's achievements leads to faith

Deuteronomy 3:21–22; 1 Samuel 17:34–37; Jeremiah 14:22