What Is Faith?
"Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld." (Hebrews 11:1)
The Greek word for "faith" (πίστις pistis) conveys the idea of confidence, trust, firmness, or persuasion. This means faith is not a blind belief but rather a deep conviction based on evidence and reason.
Faith as Substance
Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as the "substance" (hypostasis), meaning it has a concrete reality. Faith is not a vague hope but a foundation built on the reliability of what God has revealed. The term “substance” here emphasizes the solid ground upon which faith rests.
Additionally, the phrase "things not seen" does not only refer to future promises but can also relate to past divine actions that are now learned through testimony (pragmaton). This aligns with Hebrews 11:3, which states that "faith" allows believers to perceive God’s hand in history and trust in His future fulfillment. As Romans 10:17 states, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
How Do We Obtain Faith?
Faith is not something imposed by God; rather, it is our response to His revelation. Although human nature is weak, we can still trust in what God has made known through His word.
Developing faith is a process that unfolds in three stages:
- Hearing and Understanding – As we read the Scriptures, we recognize their harmony and truth. (Romans 10:17)
- Experiencing God's Work – Faith grows as we see God's influence in our lives. (1 Peter 1:3-12)
- Active Trust – Faith becomes stronger through prayer and deeper knowledge. (Colossians 3:10)
Faith and Love
Faith is not a passive state; it must be accompanied by action. The Gospel of Philip states:
"Faith receives, love gives. [No one can receive] without faith, and no one can give without love. So to receive we have faith and to love we give. If someone gives without love, that person gets no benefit from what was given. Anyone who receives something but does not receive the Lord is still a Hebrew." (Gospel of Philip)
Faith and love work together. Faith allows us to receive God's promises, while love compels us to give. Without love, faith alone is incomplete.
Faith and Justification
Justification means being counted as righteous before God. Though humans are imperfect, God considers them righteous if they truly have faith. Paul highlights this in Romans 4:3-5, where Abraham was counted righteous due to his faith, not his works. The Greek words used—logizomai ("count"), reckon, and impute—show that righteousness is attributed based on faith.
Faith as Spiritual Growth
Faith is not merely a mental concept but a transformative power. The Gospel of Philip compares faith to farming:
"Farming in this world depends on four things, and a harvest is gathered and taken into the barn as a result of water, earth, air, and light. God’s farming also depends on four things: faith, hope, love, and knowledge. Faith is the earth in which we take root. Hope is the water with which we are nourished. Love is the air through which we grow. Knowledge is the light by which we [ripen]." (Gospel of Philip)
Faith is the foundation (earth) in which believers are rooted. Hope sustains them (water), love enables growth (air), and knowledge leads to spiritual maturity (light).
Faith vs. Belief
While "faith" is often equated with "belief," they are distinct. Faith implies confidence and understanding, not just intellectual assent. In Paul’s writings, faith is linked to a conscious awakening:
"'Awakened by the message' and 'faith comes from what is heard.' This emphasis on hearing, as an event, which awakens faith, is central to Paul."
Faith involves comprehension and practice, not just belief in Jesus but living by His teachings. Jesus emphasized that faith is foundational for building the Kingdom of God. He told Peter:
"According to your faith be it done unto you." (Matthew 9:29)
Faith as a Rational Understanding
Spiritual faith is more than emotional conviction—it is a rational, conscious trust in God's promises. The New Testament emphasizes that faith is based on understanding, not blind belief. Many translations use "belief" as a verb for faith because "she faiths" is not grammatically correct. However, "believe" can be misleading if it suggests a passive or blind acceptance rather than a well-founded conviction.
True faith involves confidence in God’s word, action based on that trust, and growth in spiritual wisdom. It is both substance and evidence—a reality and proof of what God has promised.
