Faith and Knowledge

Questions Answered in This Article

What does the Bible say about faith?

The Bible teaches that faith is a gift, involving certain knowledge and hearty trust in God's promises.

According to Scripture, faith is not merely a mental assent but a deep, abiding trust in God. Heidelberg Catechism question #21 describes true faith as encompassing a certain knowledge along with a hearty trust, which can be summarized as an active conviction that shapes the believer's life. This belief prompts us to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, as stated in Hebrews 12:2. We understand that faith is a gift from God, laying the foundation for our relationship with Him and enabling us to rely on His promises through the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

Hebrews 12:2

How do we know faith is true?

We know faith is true through its power to transform our hearts and lives by the Holy Spirit.

The certainty of faith's authenticity is seen in the transformative power it holds when the Holy Spirit works within us. True faith produces tangible fruit and deep-seated assurance in God's promises. It is characterized by a conviction that transcends mere belief; it propels believers to engage with the truth of the Scriptures actively. This transformation reflects the reality of being declared righteous before God, as faith enables us to trust fully in the finished work of Christ. Therefore, we can assert that the evidence of a changed life serves as a testament to the truth of our faith.

Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 1:17

Why is faith important for Christians?

Faith is crucial for Christians as it connects us to God and affirms our declared righteousness.

Faith holds a central place in the life of a Christian as it is the means by which we receive God's grace and righteousness. It is through faith that we are converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, receiving assurance of our salvation and standing before God. This heartfelt trust moves us beyond mere knowledge and compels us to respond with obedience and worship. Furthermore, faith sustains us during trials and hardships, guiding us to fix our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for our sake. As we lean into faith, we experience the depth of hope and assurance that God promises to those who believe.

Romans 5:1-2, Hebrews 12:2

I don't think we can ever know enough about this, our FAITH! It is a gift of such importance and so when I run across other's ideas and statements I hold on to them. Following are some of those I have found as true.

Heidelberg question #21: “what is true faith”……a certain knowledge & a hearty trust.
Faith = assent to the truth with a hearty amen!
God-ward trust in the heart of a saint!
Grace in the heart!
A ‘persuasion’, conviction, assured confidence!
The operative/governing principle of my mind, we are motivated by faith through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We walk by that faith motivation.

These are just a few definitions of faith that I have come across in my studies and I imagine there are many more that reflect what the Scriptures teach us. They are rich in meaning, have expanded my understanding and I rejoice in that!

We are given this faith when we are converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we rest in our declared state of righteousness by this faith. Through this gift, we look to the Object of our faith, Jesus Christ!

Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

About Eileen Beckett

Eileen Beckett Barnhart (19?? - September 15, 2015) was a faithful contributor to this website starting in 2004. She was a very special lady! She will be missed and we look forward to our reunion with her in Christ together on the new earth. Here are some of her favorite quotes: "Be a Berean."

"In the stead of sin and death, He giveth unto us righteousness and everlasting life; and by this means He changeth the bondage and terrors of the law into liberty of conscience and consolation of the gospel." - Martin Luther

"If any man doth ascribe of salvation, even the very least, to the free will of man, he knoweth nothing of grace, and he hath not learnt Jesus Christ aright." - Martin Luther

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Church Bulletin Articles

142 views Published: Dec, 14 2018 Updated: Jan, 31 2019 More from Eileen Beckett

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