Biblical Faith

Steven R. Cook

Intro: John 3:16, 36; 20:31; Acts 4:12; 16:31; Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17

Faith as a noun (ïeîàÅ,eòmuòn & pivsti~ pistis) refers to what is believed and often points to a body of teaching (i.e. Hab. 2:4; Acts 14:22; 16:5; Rom. 14:22; Gal. 1:23); whereas, faith as a verb (ïîÇS aòman & pisteuvw pisteuo) refers to the act of believing (John 3:15, 16, 18, 36; 20:31) and means to believe, trust, or have confidence in something or someone. There is also the adjective (ïîÇS aòman & pistov~ pistos) which describes someone as faithful, reliable, and trustworthy and is used of both God (1 Cor. 1:9; 10:13; Heb. 10:23) and man (Matt. 25:223; Col. 1:7; Heb. 3:5).

Four means of perception and learning:

1. Empiricism (learning through the senses: i.e. hearing, seeing, touching etc…).
2. Rationalism (learning through logic: A + B = C).
3. Mysticism (learning through intuition).
4. Faith (learning by trusting in the veracity of another).

Three Principles of Faith:

1. Faith demands an object.
2. Faith is exercised with a view to receiving a benefit.
3. The object of faith gets the credit.

Three Parts to Christian faith:

1. Faith understands the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
2. Faith believes the Word of God (Hebrews 4:2).
3. Faith applies the Word of God (Romans 14:23; Hebrews 11:6; James 1:22).

Facts about faith:

1. Claims promises (Romans 8:28; I Corinthians 10:13).
2. Is tested (1 Peter 1:7).
3. Obeys God’s commands (i.e. to love, forgive, grow, etc...) (I Peter 5:6, 7).
4. Overcomes fear (Deuteronomy 31:6-8; Isaiah 41:10-13).
5. Is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
6. Is the only thing that pleases God (Hebrews 11:6).
7. Is the normal Christian function (Romans 1:17).
8. Produces a relaxed mental attitude (Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:11).
9. Is backed up by the essence of God (i.e. omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, righteousness, justice, love, sovereignty, immutability, veracity, and eternal life).

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