What is the biblical definition and example of faith?

Definition of Faith

Faith in the Scriptures is a confident trust in the promises, character, and power of God, leading to a life shaped by that trust. It is more than intellectual agreement; it involves reliance and obedience. Hebrews 11:1 offers a foundational definition: “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” This describes faith as both an internal conviction and an outward posture of assurance, underpinned by God’s revealed truth.

Biblically, faith is not “blind.” It includes reasoned confidence in God’s Word and actions throughout history. The Greek term often translated as “faith” (pistis) implies belief, trust, and fidelity. Scripture portrays faith as an active reliance upon God, anchored in divine revelation and confirmed by changed lives, miracles, and historical testimonies.

Key Biblical Foundations

1. Trust in God’s Nature

Faith is deeply tied to God’s character. Psalm 9:10 states, “Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.” This verse underscores that recognizing God’s reliability inspires the act of faith.

2. Confidence in God’s Promises

Faith depends on specific promises God has made. Romans 4:20–21 praises Abraham for not wavering in unbelief but growing strong in faith, “being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.” Here, faith aligns with entrusting oneself to God’s pledged word.

3. Obedience Flowing From Faith

James 2:17 underscores the necessity of obedience: “So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” Faith is evidenced by choices that reflect trust in God’s commands.

Old Testament Examples of Faith

1. Abraham (Genesis 12, 15, 22)

Called to leave his homeland without knowing his final destination, Abraham acts in faith. Genesis 15:6 attests, “Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Beyond intellectual acceptance, Abraham’s faith involved relocating his entire life in response to God’s promise. Later, he trusts God when asked to offer his son Isaac, revealing an unwavering commitment to God’s purposes.

2. Moses (Exodus 3–4, 14)

Moses overcomes personal doubts—fearing his speaking abilities and potential rejection—yet he leads the Israelites out of bondage. Though reluctant at first, Moses’ faith is demonstrated in taking bold steps when God commands him to confront Pharaoh (Exodus 3–4). Then in Exodus 14:13–14, amid Egyptian pursuit, Moses urges the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation…The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

3. Rahab (Joshua 2, 6)

Rahab, a Canaanite woman in Jericho, expresses faith in the God of Israel, telling the Israelite spies that she knows the LORD has given the land to them (Joshua 2:9). She acts upon her belief by hiding the spies, risking her own safety. Her faith is vindicated when Jericho’s walls fall, and she is spared.

New Testament Illustrations of Faith

1. Mary, Mother of Jesus (Luke 1)

Mary’s acceptance of God’s message delivered by the angel Gabriel exemplifies trust. She responds, “I am the Lord’s servant…May it happen to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). This posture of surrender affirms God’s power to accomplish what He declares.

2. Centurion’s Faith (Matthew 8:5–13)

A Roman centurion requests healing for his servant, displaying remarkable faith. He tells Jesus, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8). Jesus commends the centurion’s trust, saying He has not found such great faith in Israel (Matthew 8:10).

3. The Apostle Peter (Matthew 14:28–31)

When Peter walks on water at Jesus’ invitation, he momentarily falters upon noticing the wind. Yet even in his moment of doubt, Peter’s response is to call on Christ to save him, demonstrating an essential element of faith—looking to the Lord rather than personal ability.

The Substance and Evidence of Faith

Hebrews 11:1–3 emphasizes that faith is “the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see…By faith we understand that the universe was formed by God’s command.” The biblical viewpoint holds that the visible order of creation arises at God’s initiative. Archaeological studies, such as certain layers of sediment across continents, are frequently cited as possible support for a rapid, worldwide flood event described in Genesis 6–9. Though interpretations vary, many see these geological indicators as consistent with the biblical record, reinforcing confidence in the scriptural narrative.

Beyond creation, the Old and New Testaments have been preserved in thousands of manuscripts. Discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls, dating as early as the third century BC, confirm the accuracy and continuity of much of the Old Testament text. This consistent manuscript tradition fortifies the believer’s faith in the trustworthiness of Scripture, which recounts God’s historical dealings with His people.

Faith and Salvation

Scripture teaches that faith is central to receiving salvation. Romans 10:9 instructs, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” This belief is not a vague mental assent; rather, it is acceptance of Christ’s resurrection as both an actual historical event and a personal hope.

Ephesians 2:8–9 reiterates that salvation comes by “grace…through faith,” not by works. While good deeds naturally arise from genuine faith, they are not its source. The biblical stance holds that the resurrected Christ provides the basis for salvation and the assurance of eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:14–19).

Faith Working Through Love

As illustrated in James 2:14–26, faith—when genuine—spills over into active love. Paul likewise explains in Galatians 5:6, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Faith propels believers to act on Christ’s commands, take risks, and serve others as an outflow of gratitude and trust, rather than an attempt to earn God’s favor.

Practical Outworking of Faith

Faith manifests in everyday life by:

1. Prayer and Dependence: Believers bring every concern to God (Philippians 4:6–7).

2. Confidence in Trials: James 1:2–3 explains that testing produces perseverance, refining faith.

3. Obedience to God’s Command: True faith submits to His directions.

4. Hope and Perseverance: 1 Peter 1:6–7 encourages perseverance when trials refine and prove one’s faith.

5. Sharing and Witnessing: Authentic faith motivates telling others about the truth of the gospel, as demonstrated by Acts 1:8.

Conclusion

Biblical faith is a trusting reliance on the God revealed in Scripture, evidenced by obedience that springs not from fear, but from confidence in Him. It is well-rooted in both the historical record of God’s works and the transforming power of His Word. The examples of Abraham, Moses, Rahab, Mary, the centurion, and Peter illustrate that this faith shapes decisions, changes lives, and ultimately rests on the promise of God’s saving power through the resurrected Christ.

As Hebrews 12:2 encourages, believers fix their eyes on “Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Such a posture of trust is the backbone of spiritual life, empowering individuals to live in hope, love, and devotion, convinced of the faithfulness and sovereignty of the One who has promised eternal life.