Faith

Faith, as presented in the Bible, is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, serving as the foundation for a believer's relationship with God. The Greek word for faith, "pistis," implies trust, confidence, and belief. Hebrews 11:1 in the Berean Standard Bible 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.

Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves a deep-seated trust in God and His promises. It is through faith that believers are justified and made righteous before God, as stated in Romans 5:1 : "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This justification by faith is a central tenet of Christian doctrine, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by works but received through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Bible presents numerous examples of faith in action. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Hall of Faith," highlights individuals like Abraham, who "by faith...obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance" (Hebrews 11:8). Abraham's faith was demonstrated through his obedience and trust in God's promises, even when the fulfillment of those promises seemed impossible.

Faith is also portrayed as a shield in the spiritual armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:16 : "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." This metaphor illustrates faith's protective power against spiritual attacks and its role in the believer's perseverance.

Personal Convictions

Personal convictions are deeply held beliefs that guide an individual's actions and decisions. In the Christian context, these convictions are often shaped by one's faith and understanding of Scripture. While faith provides the foundation, personal convictions are the practical outworking of that faith in daily life.

The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of personal convictions in Romans 14, where he discusses matters of conscience among believers. In Romans 14:5 , he writes, "One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." Here, Paul acknowledges that believers may hold different convictions on non-essential matters, and he emphasizes the importance of being fully persuaded in one's own mind.

Personal convictions should be informed by Scripture and aligned with the principles of Christian living. They are not to be imposed on others, as Paul advises in Romans 14:13 : "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." This highlights the need for grace and understanding within the Christian community, recognizing that personal convictions may vary.

Moreover, personal convictions should be held with humility and a willingness to be corrected by the Word of God. As believers grow in their faith, their understanding and application of biblical principles may deepen, leading to a refinement of their convictions.

In summary, faith and personal convictions are integral to the Christian life. Faith is the assurance and trust in God and His promises, while personal convictions are the practical expressions of that faith, guiding believers in their daily walk with Christ. Both require a commitment to Scripture and a heart open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.