Faith

Faith, a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is the assurance and conviction in the truths of God, His promises, and His character. It is both a gift from God and a response to His revelation. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" . This verse encapsulates the essence of faith as both a present assurance and a future expectation.

In the Old Testament, faith is exemplified in the lives of the patriarchs and prophets. Abraham, often called the "father of faith," believed God's promises despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Genesis 15:6 states, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" . This belief in God's promise of descendants and land, despite his and Sarah's old age, is a profound demonstration of faith.

The New Testament further develops the concept of faith, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. Jesus frequently emphasized faith as a requisite for receiving God's blessings and miracles. In Mark 11:22-24, Jesus instructs His disciples, "Have faith in God...whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" . Here, faith is portrayed as a trust in God's power and willingness to act.

The Apostle Paul elaborates on faith as the means of justification and salvation. In Ephesians 2:8-9, he writes, "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, therefore, is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Expectation

Expectation, closely linked with faith, involves the anticipation of God's promises being fulfilled. It is the forward-looking aspect of faith, where believers live in hope and anticipation of God's future actions. Expectation is rooted in the character of God, who is faithful and true to His word.

The Psalms often express a sense of expectation in God's deliverance and provision. Psalm 5:3 declares, "In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation" . This verse illustrates the psalmist's confident anticipation of God's response to prayer.

In the New Testament, expectation is evident in the hope of Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's kingdom. The early Christians lived with a sense of imminent expectation, as seen in Titus 2:13: "while we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" . This expectation of Christ's return provided motivation for holy living and perseverance amid trials.

Expectation also involves the anticipation of God's ongoing work in the believer's life. Philippians 1:6 assures believers, "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" . This expectation is not passive but active, encouraging believers to participate in God's transformative work.

In summary, faith and expectation are intertwined aspects of the Christian life. Faith provides the foundation of trust in God's character and promises, while expectation fuels the hope and anticipation of their fulfillment. Together, they shape the believer's relationship with God and outlook on life, encouraging a life of trust, hope, and active engagement with God's purposes.