Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8021 faith, nature of

8021 faith, nature of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8010 Faith » 8020 faith » 8021 faith, nature of

Confidence in and commitment to God and Jesus Christ. These attitudes remain sure even though the objects of faith are unseen. True faith is seen in obedient action, love and continuing good works.

The object of faith

God as the object of faith

Hebrews 11:6 See also Psalm 25:1-2; Psalm 26:1; Proverbs 29:25; 1 Peter 1:21

Jesus Christ as the object of faith

John 14:1 See also John 3:16,18,36; John 6:68-69

False objects of faith

Human resources:

Psalm 20:7; Hosea 10:13 Psalm 118:9 other people; Proverbs 28:26 self; Isaiah 42:17 idols

Faith is personal trust in God

2 Samuel 22:31 See also Psalm 18:2-6; Psalm 27:13-14; 1 Peter 2:23

True faith cannot be second-hand

2 Timothy 1:5 See also John 4:42

Faith and assurance

Assurance accompanies faith

Hebrews 11:1 See also Romans 4:19-21; 1 Timothy 3:13; Hebrews 10:22

Faith may be mixed with doubt

Matthew 14:31 Simon Peter; Mark 9:24 the father of the boy with an evil spirit; John 20:24-28 Thomas

Faith and sight

2 Corinthians 5:7

Faith as trust in what is unseen

John 20:29 See also 2 Corinthians 4:18; Hebrews 11:1-3,7,27

Faith looks towards an unseen future

Hebrews 11:13-14 See also Hebrews 11:8-10 Abraham; Hebrews 11:20-22 Isaac, Jacob and Joseph; Hebrews 11:24-26 Moses

Faith and obedience

True faith is demonstrated in obedience

Romans 1:5; Hebrews 4:2 See also Romans 16:26; 2 Corinthians 9:13; 1 Peter 1:2

Examples of obedient faith

Noah builds the ark:

Genesis 6:22; Hebrews 11:7

Abraham leaves Haran:

Genesis 12:4; Hebrews 11:8

Abraham offers Isaac:

Genesis 22:1-10; Hebrews 11:17 Exodus 14:15-16 Moses parts the sea.

Caleb and Joshua:

Numbers 13:30; Numbers 14:8-9 Joshua 3:5-13 Joshua at the river Jordan Joshua at Jericho; Joshua 6:2-5; Hebrews 11:30 John 21:4-6 Jesus Christ's disciples, fishing; Acts 26:19 Paul

Faith and works

True faith is demonstrated in good deeds

James 2:14-26 See also Philippians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Titus 1:1; 2 Peter 1:5

True faith issues in love

Galatians 5:6 See also Ephesians 1:15; Ephesians 6:23; 1 Thessalonians 3:6; Thessalonians 5:8; 1 Timothy 1:5,14; Timothy 4:12

True faith is constantly productive

Luke 8:15 pp Matthew 13:23 pp Mark 4:20 See also John 15:1-5