What is Faith?

 

By definition, faith is belief with strong conviction; firm belief in something for which there may be not tangible proof; complete trust in or devotion to.  Faith is the opposite of doubt.

 

Faith is possibly the single most important element of the Christian life.  Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith it is impossibly to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (NIV)

 

The Bible gives this description of faith in Hebrew 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  (NIV)

 

Scripture explains that the source of faith is God:  “For is is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)

 

Just because a person is good does not mean that they are going to Heaven.  Grace is God’s unmerited favor, demonstrated most fully in the sacrifice of Christ.  In short, the only way to heaven is through Jesus, “the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)

We can’t work our way to heaven or claim to be without sin (1 John 1:8).  Instead, we must humbly submit to God, turn from our wrong behavior, and turn to Christ for salvation.

 

Have a blessed week!

 

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Focus on the Family