More About Belief
Faith lies at the heart of the Christian life. As the Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). However, not all Christians agree on what faith truly means. Some believe faith is simply trusting that God exists. Others see belief as emotional or personal experience without the need for action.
What is Faith?
The Bible, though, defines faith differently. In Hebrews 11:1, it says, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” We build faith on our confidence in God and trust in His promises. True faith goes beyond belief; it must be active. James 2:17 teaches, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).
Belief and Works
Many people misunderstand the connection between faith and works. Some believe salvation comes by faith alone, without any response. They often cite Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith.” While this verse shows salvation is a gift from God, it doesn’t teach that faith excludes action.
Obedience Matters
In contrast, the Bible links faith and obedience. In Mark 16:16, Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Faith must motivate repentance, confession of Jesus as God’s Son, and baptism into Christ (Acts 2:38).
Other groups may teach that faith is passive. However, Scripture provides examples of active faith. Noah built the ark when warned by God (Hebrews 11:7). Abraham obeyed when called to sacrifice Isaac (James 2:21-22). They acted because they trusted God’s promises.
Faith isn’t just mental belief or feeling. It’s confidence in God that drives a life of obedience. Trust His Word, and let faithful actions show your belief.
Want to Know More about Belief?
If you want to know more about faith, here are a few more resources from the website. If you have more questions about faith, or you would like to talk with someone about your walk with the Lord, please email the website editor.
Saving Faith?
Saving faith is sadly an integral part of many mainstream churches today. It is also deadly to people that believe it and those they teach. As a concept, it is derived from the Calvinist doctrines of Unconditional Election and Perseverance of the Saints. To sum up the concept of ‘saving faith’ in a few words; it is something that the predestined to election receive upon hearing the word.
One Faith
The New Testament writers use the word faith in broader terms than simple belief in Jesus. Following Paul's conversion, the brethren observed, "He who formerly persecuted us now preaches THE FAITH which he once tried to destroy." (Galatians 1:23)
Faith and Works
“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works Can faith save him?” James 2:14
This question presented in the Scriptures nearly 2,000 years ago remains for many Bible students a point of confusion and contention. What does God really require of those that seek to serve Him? Is my faith enough, or is there something more? Should I simply trust in God’s ability to save, or do the works of my life affect whether or not the Lord will redeem me by his grace?
Preserving Your Fellowship with God
What does it truly mean to have fellowship with the Father and the Son in a digital age? Are we risking our eternal reward by tolerating false doctrines in our midst? Learn why the physical gathering of the church remains an essential part of the Christian walk.
Standing Firm in the Doctrine of Christ
Is your love for God truly being perfected through your daily actions? How can we spot the subtle deceivers who threaten the truth of the gospel today? Discover the vital connection between obedience and love in this study of the second letter of John.
How Every Member Strengthens The Body of Christ
Are you attending church to receive or to contribute? How can we better support one another to achieve true spiritual maturity? Discover how your unique role strengthens the church and honors God.
The Eternal Importance of Walking in the Truth
Are you struggling to remain grounded in a world of conflicting ideas? What does it truly mean to love others as Christ loved us? Discover how walking in the truth brings joy to leadership and fellowship with God.
Who is the Elder in 2 John and the Elect Lady?
Who exactly was the mysterious author known as "the Elder"? Why does he address a congregation as an "elect lady"? Read this study to discover the rich history and symbolism behind John's brief but powerful second epistle.
Christian Maturity: Moving from Selfishness to Service
Is your faith strong enough to withstand the shifting winds of modern culture? What does it truly look like to grow into the full measure of Christ? Discover how shifting your focus from being served to serving others is the essential key to reaching biblical maturity.
How to Maintain the Unity of the Spirit in the Church
Are you truly walking in a way that reflects the oneness of Christ's body? Do you understand the seven core doctrines that bind all believers together? Read this study to discover how to maintain the unity of the Spirit in your daily walk.
What it Means to “Know Him Who is True”
Are you practicing righteousness or falling under the sway of the world? How can we protect ourselves from the modern idols that distract us from God? Read this post to learn how to truly know Him who is true.
How to Have Full Assurance of Eternal Life
Do you ever wonder if you can truly be certain of your standing with God? How does our prayer life reflect our relationship with the Father? Read this post to discover how you can live with the biblical assurance of eternal life.