Topical Encyclopedia
Faith, in the Christian context, is a fundamental aspect of the believer's relationship with God. It is both a gift from God and a response to His revelation.
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 trust and confidence in God's promises, even when they are not visible to the human eye.
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." Here, faith is depicted as the means by which believers receive God's grace, emphasizing that it is not a result of human effort but a divine gift.
Faith is also portrayed as a living and active trust in God, demonstrated through obedience and action.
James 2:17 asserts, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This highlights the dynamic nature of faith, which must be evidenced by works that align with God's will.
Throughout Scripture, faith is exemplified by numerous figures, such as Abraham, who "believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (
Romans 4:3). Abraham's faith was characterized by his willingness to trust God's promises, even when they seemed impossible.
Faith is also a source of strength and perseverance for believers. In
1 Peter 1:6-7 , faith is described as being "of greater worth than gold," tested through trials to result in "praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." This passage underscores the refining and sustaining power of faith in the life of a Christian.
TruthTruth, as presented in the Bible, is an absolute and unchanging reality rooted in the nature and character of God. Jesus Christ, in
John 14:6 , declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This statement affirms that truth is personified in Christ, who embodies the ultimate revelation of God to humanity.
The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of truth in the believer's life. In
John 17:17 , Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." Here, truth is identified with God's Word, which serves as the foundation for sanctification and spiritual growth.
Truth is also integral to the believer's armor against spiritual deception.
Ephesians 6:14 instructs, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist." This metaphor illustrates the protective and stabilizing role of truth in the spiritual life, enabling believers to stand firm against falsehood and error.
The pursuit of truth is a hallmark of the Christian life, as believers are called to live in accordance with God's revealed truth. In 1
John 3:18 , the apostle John exhorts, "Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth." This call to action underscores the necessity of aligning one's life with the truth of God's Word.
Truth is also a source of freedom for the believer. In
John 8:32 , Jesus promises, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." This freedom is not merely from ignorance or error but from the bondage of sin, as truth leads to a transformative relationship with God through Christ.