Faith

Faith, in the Christian context, is the confident belief and trust in God and His promises as revealed in the Scriptures. It is foundational to the Christian life, serving as the means by which believers are justified and live in accordance with God's will. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" . This assurance and certainty are not based on empirical evidence but on the trustworthiness of God and His Word.

The Bible presents faith as essential for salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "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 is the channel through which God's grace is received, emphasizing that salvation is a divine gift rather than a human achievement.

Faith is also depicted as a living and active trust that results in obedience. James 2:17 declares, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead" . Genuine faith manifests in works, not as a means of earning salvation, but as evidence of a transformed life. The faith of Abraham, who "believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Romans 4:3), exemplifies this dynamic relationship between faith and action.

Duty

Duty in the Christian life refers to the moral and spiritual obligations that believers have towards God and others. It encompasses the responsibilities that arise from one's faith and relationship with God. The concept of duty is rooted in the understanding that believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1).

The duty of a Christian is multifaceted, involving love for God and neighbor. Jesus summarized the greatest commandments as loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and loving one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:37-39). This dual commandment encapsulates the essence of Christian duty, directing believers to prioritize their relationship with God and extend His love to others.

Duty also involves adherence to God's commandments and the pursuit of holiness. 1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts believers, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" . This call to holiness reflects the duty to live a life set apart for God, characterized by moral integrity and spiritual devotion.

Furthermore, duty encompasses the responsibility to serve and edify the body of Christ. Believers are called to use their spiritual gifts for the common good, as stated in 1 Corinthians 12:7: "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" . This service is an expression of love and commitment to the community of faith.

In summary, faith and duty are intertwined in the Christian life. Faith provides the foundation and motivation for fulfilling one's duty, while duty reflects the outworking of genuine faith. Together, they guide believers in their walk with God, shaping their character and conduct in accordance with His will.