Topical Encyclopedia
Faith, as a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is not merely encouraged but commanded throughout Scripture. It is the foundation upon which the believer's relationship with God is built, and it is essential for salvation and spiritual growth. The command to have faith is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, underscoring its importance in the life of a believer.
Old Testament FoundationsIn the Old Testament, faith is often demonstrated through trust and obedience to God. The patriarch Abraham is a prime example, as his faith was credited to him as righteousness (
Genesis 15:6). The command to trust in God is evident in passages such as
Proverbs 3:5-6, which instructs, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
The Israelites were repeatedly commanded to have faith in God, especially during times of trial and uncertainty. In
Deuteronomy 1:32, Moses rebukes the Israelites for their lack of faith, saying, "But in spite of this word, you did not trust the LORD your God." This highlights the expectation that God's people should place their trust in Him, regardless of circumstances.
New Testament CommandmentsThe New Testament further emphasizes the command to have faith, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself commands faith in God, as seen in
Mark 11:22: "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. This directive is not merely a suggestion but a command that underscores the necessity of faith in the believer's life.
The apostle Paul reiterates this command in his epistles. In
1 Corinthians 16:13, he exhorts the believers, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong." Here, faith is presented as a command that requires vigilance and strength, indicating its critical role in the Christian life.
Faith and SalvationFaith is commanded as a prerequisite for salvation. In
Acts 16:31, Paul and Silas instruct the Philippian jailer, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." This command to believe is a direct call to faith, highlighting its essential role in the process of salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 further clarifies that faith is a gift from God, yet it is also a command to be obeyed: "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." While faith is a divine gift, the command to exercise it remains imperative.
Living by FaithThe command to live by faith is a recurring theme in the New Testament. In
2 Corinthians 5:7, Paul states, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." This command challenges believers to trust in God's promises and guidance, even when they cannot see the outcome.
Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter," provides numerous examples of individuals who obeyed the command to live by faith.
Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes the necessity of faith, stating, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."
ConclusionThroughout Scripture, faith is not only encouraged but commanded as an essential aspect of the believer's life. From the trust exemplified by the patriarchs to the explicit commands of Jesus and the apostles, faith is foundational to the Christian experience. It is through faith that believers are saved, live, and grow in their relationship with God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 11:22But I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook1 John 3:23
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Greek
3853. paraggello -- to transmit a message, to order ... Accordingly, 3853 () and
faith (4102 ) are closely connected in the NT -- see 1
Tim
... to order NASB Word Usage charge (1), command (4),
commanded (4), commanding
... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3853.htm - 9kLibrary
Faith Stopping the Mouths of Lions
... And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and
they cast them into ... And what dignity, respect, faith, and innocence are in them ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/faith stopping the mouths of.htm
Justification by Faith
... in Jesus Christ;" (though from some kind of faith in God they may spring;) "yea,
rather, for that they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 5 justification by faith.htm
"Increase Our Faith. "
... "If ye had faith as a ... have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?'
Doth he thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/increase our faith.htm
Faith and Repentance Inseparable
... The repentance which is here commanded is the result of faith; it is born at the
same time with faith"they are twins, and to say which is the elder-born ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/faith and repentance inseparable.htm
Noah's Faith, Fear, Obedience, and Salvation
... See again and again, "Noah did according unto all that the Lord commanded him."
Those who have faith in God should show it by a holy fear, which makes them ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 36 1890/noahs faith fear obedience and.htm
Second Great Group of Parables.
... The theme is no doubt suggested by verse 6. When one's faith endows him with ... 6,
contending that miracles are not among "the things that are commanded" in the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcii second great group of 7.htm
That the Foundation and Strength of Hope and Faith is Fear.
... to do them good, and to plant them in their land in faith, and with ... 4334] Also in
the same place: "And the king exceedingly rejoiced, and commanded Daniel to ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the foundation and.htm
There are those who Think that the Christian Religion is what we ...
... religion is what we should smile at rather than hold fast, for this reason, that,
in it, not what may be seen, is shown, but men are commanded faith of things ...
/.../augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /1 there are those who.htm
Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery.
... Now, if no other work were commanded but chastity alone, we would all have enough
to ... In this work a good strong faith is a great help, more noticeably so than ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt not commit adultery.htm
Prayer and Faith
... Again: faith is obedient; it goes when commanded, as did the nobleman, who came
to Jesus, in the day of His flesh, and whose son was grievously sick. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/i prayer and faith.htm
Resources
What does “from faith to faith” mean in Romans 1:17? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is faith without works dead? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is faith in God? | GotQuestions.orgFaith: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus