Definition and Etymology:
Credence, in a biblical context, refers to belief or acceptance of something as true, particularly in matters of faith and doctrine. The term is derived from the Latin "credentia," meaning "belief" or "trust." In the Bible, credence is closely associated with faith, trust, and the acceptance of divine truth.

Biblical Usage and Context:
While the specific term "credence" is not directly used in most English translations of the Bible, the concept is deeply embedded in the scriptural narrative. Credence is foundational to the relationship between God and humanity, as it involves the acceptance of God's promises, commands, and revelations.

Faith and Belief:
Credence is often synonymous with faith, which is a central theme throughout the Bible. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance and certainty are the essence of credence, as believers are called to trust in God's word and His plan, even when it is not visible or fully understood.

Trust in God:
The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of placing credence in God rather than in human wisdom or strength. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage highlights the necessity of credence in divine guidance over personal insight.

Acceptance of Divine Truth:
Credence involves accepting the truth of God's word as revealed in Scripture. In John 17:17 , Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." Believers are called to accept and live by the truth of God's word, which requires credence in its divine origin and authority.

Examples of Credence in Action:
Throughout the Bible, numerous individuals exemplify credence through their actions and decisions. Abraham is a prime example, as he demonstrated credence by obeying God's call to leave his homeland and by believing God's promise of a son despite his old age (Genesis 12:1-4, 15:6). Similarly, Mary, the mother of Jesus, showed credence by accepting the angel Gabriel's message and trusting in God's plan for her life (Luke 1:38).

Challenges to Credence:
The Bible also addresses the challenges and obstacles to maintaining credence. Doubt, fear, and worldly influences can undermine one's trust in God. James 1:6-8 warns against doubting, stating, "But let him ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

Role of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in fostering credence within believers. The Spirit guides, teaches, and strengthens the faith of Christians, enabling them to trust in God's promises. In John 14:26 , Jesus assures His disciples, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you."

Conclusion:
Credence is an essential aspect of the Christian faith, encompassing belief, trust, and acceptance of God's truth. It is a dynamic and active response to God's revelation, requiring reliance on His wisdom and guidance. Through the examples of biblical figures and the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are encouraged to cultivate and maintain credence in their spiritual journey.1. (n.) Belief; credit; confidence; as, to add credence to a remark; reliance of the mind on evidence of facts derived from other sources than personal knowledge.

2. (n.) That which gives a claim to credit, belief, or confidence; as, a letter of credence.

3. (n.) The small table by the side of the altar or communion table, on which the bread and wine are placed before being consecrated.

4. (n.) A cupboard, sideboard, or cabinet, particularly one intended for the display of rich vessels or plate, and consisting chiefly of open shelves for that purpose.

5. (v. t.) To give credence to; to believe.

4327. prosdechomai -- to receive to oneself
... From pros and dechomai; to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or
(figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4327.htm - 8k

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... From peitho; persuasion, ie Credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the
truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

Whence the Contentions of Philosophers have Sprung. Against those ...
... Philosophers Have Sprung. Against Those Who Catch at Everything that Meets
Them, and Give It Credence, and Cling to It. Origen Was ...
/.../argument xiv whence the contentions of.htm

Of the Resurrection of the Flesh, which Some Refuse to Believe ...
... If it is not credible, how is it that it has already received credence in
the whole world? If a number of noble, exalted, and learned ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 5 of the resurrection of.htm

Thomas and Jesus
... 'I will not believe!'"what business had he, what business have you, to bring
any question of will into the act of belief or credence? ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/thomas and jesus.htm

On the Authority and Certainty of the Sacred Scriptures
... I. The authority of Scripture is nothing else but the worthiness according to which
it merits (1.) CREDENCE, as being true in words and true in significations ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 1 on the authority.htm

Arrangement and Furniture of the Church
... On the south side of the Altar is a small table or shelf, called the credence, on
which are placed the elements of bread and wine until such time in the ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/arrangement and furniture of the.htm

The Internal Witness of the Holy Spirit
... their Talmud and their Cabala, and the Mahometans in their Alcoran, and if both
of these boast themselves that they are Churches, cannot credence therefore be ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/9 the internal witness of.htm

The Brazen Serpent
... Faith is an advance on credence. ... So trust and credence are not always of
the same magnitude. This trust is no arbitrary condition. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the brazen serpent.htm

Idealistic Philosophy
... It is the practical reason which ventures the credence that moral worth is
the supreme worth in life. It then confirms this ventured ...
/.../chapter ii idealistic philosophy.htm

Porphyry's Account of the Responses Given by the Oracles of the ...
... or were uttered as responses by impure demons with a similar design,"that is to
say, in order that their praise of Christ may win credence for their ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 23 porphyrys account of the.htm

Letter Lxxxiv. To Pammachius and Oceanus.
... believe me when I attack him. But I find readier credence when I go wrong
than when I shew amendment. And this is not surprising ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxxiv to pammachius and.htm

Credence (20 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Belief; credit; confidence; as, to add credence to a remark; reliance of
the mind on evidence of facts derived from other sources than personal ...
/c/credence.htm - 13k

Credit (39 Occurrences)
... on the books of B. 9. (vt) To confide in the truth of; to give credence
to; to put trust in; to believe. 10. (vt) To bring honor ...
/c/credit.htm - 20k

Reports (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:7 and I gave no credence to the words till that I have come, and my eyes
see, and lo, it was not declared to me -- the half; thou hast added wisdom ...
/r/reports.htm - 12k

Added (97 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:7 and I gave no credence to the words till that I have come, and my eyes
see, and lo, it was not declared to me -- the half; thou hast added wisdom ...
/a/added.htm - 34k

Kick (8 Occurrences)
... WBS YLT NAS). Psalms 106:24 And they kick against the desirable land, They
have not given credence to His word. (YLT). Jeremiah 6:19 ...
/k/kick.htm - 10k

Nethani'ah (20 Occurrences)
... know that Baalis king of the sons of Ammon hath sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to
smite thy soul?' And Gedaliah son of Ahikam hath not given to them credence. ...
/n/nethani'ah.htm - 13k

Obedient (39 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV YLT NAS RSV). Romans 10:16 But they were not all obedient to the good tidings,
for Isaiah saith, 'Lord, who did give credence to our report?' (YLT). ...
/o/obedient.htm - 18k

Gamaliel (7 Occurrences)
... worship, and their belief in immortality, a point in dispute between Pharisees and
Sadducees, may have had influence over him (Knowling), no credence is to be ...
/g/gamaliel.htm - 13k

Trust (201 Occurrences)
... 11. (n.) To give credence to; to believe; to credit. 12. (n.) To hope confidently;
to believe; -- usually with a phrase or infinitive clause as the object. 13. ...
/t/trust.htm - 38k

Receive (350 Occurrences)
... notion, etc.; to embrace. 3. (vt) To allow, as a custom, tradition, or the
like; to give credence or acceptance to. 4. (vt) To give ...
/r/receive.htm - 36k

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