Topical Encyclopedia
FaithFaith, in the biblical context, is a profound trust and confidence in God and His promises. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (
Hebrews 11:1). Faith is foundational to the Christian life, as it is by faith that believers are justified and receive salvation. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that "the righteous will live by faith" (
Romans 1:17), highlighting its central role in the believer's relationship with God.
The Bible presents numerous examples of faith, notably in
Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Hall of Faith." Figures such as Abraham, who "believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (
Romans 4:3), demonstrate the power and importance of faith. Abraham's willingness to leave his homeland and trust in God's promise of a future inheritance exemplifies the essence of faith.
Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves a deep-seated trust that leads to action. James writes, "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (
James 2:17), indicating that genuine faith produces fruit in the believer's life. This active faith is a response to God's grace and is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
InheritanceInheritance in the biblical sense often refers to the blessings and promises God bestows upon His people. In the Old Testament, inheritance is frequently associated with the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. This land inheritance was a tangible sign of God's covenant with Israel, as seen in passages like
Genesis 12:7 and
Joshua 1:6.
In the New Testament, the concept of inheritance takes on a spiritual dimension. Believers in Christ are described as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (
Romans 8:17). This inheritance is not limited to earthly possessions but encompasses eternal life and the kingdom of God. The Apostle Peter speaks of an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you" (
1 Peter 1:4).
The link between faith and inheritance is evident throughout Scripture. It is through faith that believers become children of God and thus heirs to His promises. Paul writes in
Galatians 3:29, "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise" . This inheritance is secured by faith in Jesus Christ, who is the mediator of the new covenant.
The inheritance promised to believers is both a present reality and a future hope. While Christians experience the blessings of salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit now, they also look forward to the full realization of their inheritance in the age to come. This future inheritance motivates believers to live by faith, trusting in God's promises and looking forward to the fulfillment of His kingdom.