What Is Faith as the Bible Defines It?

The respected Christian resource book Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary identifies the condition of “pistos” (the New Testament word for the noun “faith”) as “firm persuasion, a conviction based upon hearing.” Vine goes on to indicate that the word denotes trust and trustworthiness, what is believed and the contents of belief, and assurance in a ground for belief as well as a pledge of fidelity.

Most importantly, Christian leaders and Biblical scholars overwhelmingly regard faith as a fundamental condition for salvation. But what, specifically, is Christian faith as the Bible defines it?

Read on to better understand the relationship between faith and works, and exploring the question, what is faith?

How Does the Bible Define Faith?

Although the depth of meaning that underlines the Biblical term “faith” is complex and multifaceted, the Bible is quite clear when it comes to the direct source and incredible power of faith. Romans 10:17 states unequivocally that “faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God.” Those who hear, believe, and follow God’s words can foster a faith with roots so strong and deep that it can work miracles.

Consider Luke 17:5-6, which reads:

5And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6So the Lord said, ‘If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

Throughout the Bible there are many individuals who come to a deeper faith after witnessing miracles. It would seem fitting to say that we should only act after we see God’s divine work, but that is not the case. In Mark 4 a sick woman pushes through a crowd to get to Jesus. Later Jesus tells her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

While miracles can certainly increase our faith, faith is also the soil from which miracles grow.

Important Components of Faith

Faith can be regarded as a precious gem that has many brilliant facets, but two of the most important aspects of faith are belief and trust.

Many people are familiar with the idea of “blind faith,” but belief doesn’t have to be accepted blindly. While faith and logical reasoning are far from mutually exclusive, belief can carry the faithful to places where reason cannot go. In the words of David Schmidt, preacher at the Southside Church of Christ in Fort Myers, Florida, “My faith is based upon both the sufficiency of the evidence and my confidence in the trustworthiness of the witness (God Himself).”

Belief occurs entirely in the mind of the faithful, but trust involves the dedication to act upon what one believes to be true. A prolific Christian writer and Professor of Theology at Cincinnati Christian University, Jack Cottrell specifically regards belief as a decision to surrender one’s personal time, possessions, abilities, and even one’s life and eternal destiny to Jesus Christ.

Faith and Works

The outward manifestations of belief point to the close relationship between faith and good works.

Jesus said in John 10:37-38:

“37If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”

Faith and deeds are intentionally interconnected. A genuine faith in God’s power and sovereignty will transform someone into the likeness of Jesus as they follow Jesus. In addition to its power to provide essential worldly assistance to one’s fellow human beings in need, demonstrating faith through works shows everyone within eyesight the commitment that one has to bring glory to God.

Consider James 2:14-18, which reads:

14What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

How Does Your Faith Affect Your Day-to-Day Life?

For the truly and passionately faithful, nearly every daily choice is profoundly influenced by faith. Research by the independent, nonpartisan, and secular Pew Research Center confirms that religion affects the daily lives of people in quite amazing ways. In addition to its power to build better communities and a better world in general, the day-to-day implications of living in faith extend to nearly every aspect of one’s external and internal well-being.

The Pew Research Center study took an in-depth look at highly religious American adults (defined as those who report that they pray daily and attend religious services weekly) who were otherwise essentially the same in other personal attributes that range from physical health to levels of social consciousness. The results were compelling to say the least, determining that religiously faithful people get together with extended family at least once or twice a month. Conversely, only 3 out of 10 people who are less religious gather with extended family at these rates. Faith impacts family relationships.

Furthermore, the Pew study reported, “Roughly two-thirds of highly religious adults (65%) say they have donated money, time or goods to help the poor in the past week, compared with 41% who are less religious. And 40% of highly religious U.S. adults describe themselves as 'very happy,' compared with 29% of those who are less religious.”

To Learn More

The Chicago Church of Christ holds steadfast to the biblical definition of faith as shown above. Their statement of faith is based on a firm belief in the Christian God, his son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, which lives within the souls of the faithful. When people have a deep, abiding, and consistent relationship with these three entities, faith follows, not only as an inward belief but as an outward reality.

Thank you for exploring with us the answer to what is faith. To learn more about the power of faith and its ability to transform the lives of the faithful as well as the lives of those who surround them, contact the Chicago Church of Christ today. For the past four decades, the Chicago Church has been guided by a mission to “courageously lead people to full devotion to Christ.”