What Is Faith?

We talk a lot about faith in the church. We talk about "the faith," that is, the doctrinal truths of Christianity. We encourage each other to have faith. We acknowledge that we are saved by faith. But what is faith?

Here are some ways Baptists have defined faith:

• What is faith in Jesus Christ? Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace whereby we receive and rest upon him alone (Baptist Catechism).

• What is faith? Faith is the cordial belief of the testimony God has given us in his word (John Sutcliff, The First Principles of the Oracles of God).

• What is Faith? It is believing what the Bible tells us about Jesus, and trusting our salvation into his hands. Is this belief an act of the mind only? No; it is with the whole heart, so that we are led to love and obey Christ (James P. Boice).

• What do the Scriptures mean by faith in Christ? By faith in Christ, the Scriptures mean believing Christ to be the divine savior, and personally trusting him for our salvation (John Broadus).

• What is the meaning of faith? It is belief or confidence in the declaration of God (Henry Clay Fish).

The author of Hebrews says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). While these definitions help us to understand what faith is, that doesn't mean they make faith any easier to explain. Models can be helpful tools. They make it easier to grasp concepts more quickly.

Abraham is a great model of faith. The author of Hebrews points out, "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb. 11:8). Hebrews 11:8-19 is an amazing picture of faith. The author of Hebrews uses three events in Abraham's life to flesh out faith. He recounts Abraham's call, God's covenant with Abraham, and Abraham's test.

Through Abraham's example, we learn what faith is. Biblical faith, saving faith, is a trust that produces obedience without regard to the cost. Abraham had to walk away from his family (and inheritance), he had to face the weakness of his aging body, and he had to offer up his son. Yet, he was willing to do this because he was confident in the One who was making these demands on his life.

Abraham understood that the LORD is a holy God. He is a faithful God. He is a God with the power to do as He wills. Abraham rested in that knowledge. God's promises cannot fail. Since they cannot fail, they will not fail.

I heard it said, "Faith is taking God at his word." Can we trust God? Yes, without question. We may not understand the circumstances in which we find ourselves, but we can always trust God's providence. Have faith, friend. God is worthy of such trust.