Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8028 faith, as a body of beliefs

8028 faith, as a body of beliefs

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8010 Faith » 8020 faith » 8028 faith, as a body of beliefs

That body of essential truth to which Christians hold. It is revealed by God and is to be passed on by faithful teachers. Believers are urged to remain true to the faith and to contend for it.

Faith as the truth that Christians believe

Galatians 1:23; 1 Timothy 2:7 See also Acts 6:7; Ephesians 4:5; 1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 3:15

Terms equivalent to “the faith”

The truth:

John 14:6; 1 Timothy 3:15; 3Jn 3 Acts 2:42 the apostles' teaching

The gospel:

Galatians 1:6-9; Philippians 1:7 2 Timothy 1:13-14 the good deposit

Aspects of “the faith” summarised

Acts 2:22-24,32-33; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-20; 1 Timothy 1:15; Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:11-13; Hebrews 6:1-2

The source and transmission of the faith

The faith has been given by God

Galatians 1:11-12 See also John 1:17; John 8:40; 1 Corinthians 11:23; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21

The faith is passed on by apostles and teachers

Christians must remain true to the faith

Acts 14:21-22; 1 Corinthians 16:13 See also Hebrews 4:14-16

Being strengthened in the faith

Philippians 1:25; Colossians 2:6-7 See also Ephesians 4:11-13; Jude 20

The danger of turning from the faith

Matthew 24:10; Hebrews 6:6 See also Acts 13:8; 2 Corinthians 13:5-6; 1 Timothy 5:8; Timothy 6:10,20-21; Hebrews 2:1; Hebrews 3:12; Hebrews 10:35; Hebrews 12:25

Christians must contend for the faith

Philippians 1:27; Jude 3

Refuting false teachers

See also 1 Timothy 4:1-6; 2 Timothy 3:6-8; Titus 1:10-13; 2Jn 7

Witnessing to the truth

1 Peter 3:15

Contending for the faith is a responsibility of leaders

Apostles:

Philippians 1:7,15-16; 2 Timothy 4:7 1 Timothy 3:2 overseers, who must be able to teach; 1 Timothy 3:9 deacons; 1 Timothy 6:12 Timothy, responsible for the church at Ephesus