Faith, a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is the confident belief in the truths of God's Word and His promises, even when they are not visible or fully understood. The Bible defines faith in Hebrews 11:1 as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance and certainty are foundational to the Christian life, influencing both belief and behavior.

In the Old Testament, faith is exemplified by figures such as Abraham, who "believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). Abraham's faith was demonstrated through his obedience to God's call to leave his homeland and his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, trusting in God's promise.

The New Testament further expounds on faith, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. Jesus often commended individuals for their faith, as seen in the healing of the centurion's servant (Matthew 8:10) and the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:34). Faith is portrayed as a requisite for salvation, as articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9 : "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."

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the role of faith in the life of a believer, stating in Romans 1:17 that "the righteous will live by faith." This living faith is not static but active, producing works as evidence of genuine belief, as James 2:26 asserts: "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."

Faith is also described as a shield in the spiritual armor of God, protecting believers from the "flaming arrows of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:16). It is both a gift from God and a response to His revelation, enabling believers to trust in His character and promises.

Glory

Glory, in the biblical context, refers to the manifestation of God's presence, majesty, and holiness. It is a multifaceted concept that encompasses both the inherent splendor of God and the honor and praise due to Him. The Hebrew word for glory, "kabod," and the Greek "doxa" convey the weightiness and brilliance of God's divine nature.

In the Old Testament, God's glory is often associated with His presence among His people. The glory of the Lord appeared to the Israelites in the form of a cloud by day and fire by night during their exodus from Egypt (Exodus 13:21). The tabernacle and later the temple were filled with God's glory, signifying His dwelling among His people (Exodus 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11).

The New Testament reveals the glory of God most fully in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of God's glory, demonstrating His love, power, and redemptive plan.

Believers are called to reflect God's glory in their lives, as 1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." This involves living in a manner that honors God and points others to His greatness.

The future hope of believers is also tied to glory. Romans 8:18 speaks of the "glory that will be revealed in us," indicating the transformation and eternal life that await those who are in Christ. The ultimate consummation of God's glory will be realized in the new heavens and new earth, where His presence will be fully known and His people will worship Him forever (Revelation 21:23).