What does faith mean? According to the dictionary, faith is a word that signifies “trust,” “belief,” or “confidence.” Faith is a feeling of complete trust in something or someone, even in the absence of evidence to prove the truth of what is believed.
But what exactly is faith according to the Bible? Scripture provides a clear and profound definition, showing that faith is more than an abstract concept—it is a transformative force that connects humanity to the power of God.
The Biblical Definition of Faith
The Bible describes faith as a firm foundation for hope and a conviction of things unseen:
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. (Hebrews 11:1-2)
Faith is the foundation that anchors our beliefs and empowers us to act against doubts. Having faith in God means fully trusting in His existence, His omniscience, and His power. Through faith, spiritual realities become tangible, for when we believe in God without room for doubt, His power becomes visible.
Faith has the power to bring into existence what does not exist, bring healing, deliverance, and perform extraordinary miracles, signs, and wonders.
Miracles Accomplished Through Faith in the Bible
The Bible is filled with examples of men and women who, through faith, experienced God’s power in their lives. These accounts demonstrate how faith can transform impossible circumstances:
The Faith of Noah
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. (Hebrews 11:7)
Through faith, Noah obeyed God and built an ark to save his family from the flood, even though he had never seen such an event. His obedience showed absolute trust in God.
The Faith of Abraham
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:8-10)
Abraham demonstrated faith by leaving his homeland for an unknown destination, trusting in God’s promise. Even as a foreigner, he awaited the eternal city designed by God.
By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son. (Hebrews 11:17)
Abraham’s faith was tested when he offered Isaac, showing his willingness to obey God above all.
The Faith of Sarah
And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. (Hebrews 11:11-12)
Despite her advanced age and barrenness, Sarah believed God’s promise and gave birth to Isaac, becoming the mother of a vast nation.
The Faith of Moses’ Parents
By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. (Hebrews 11:23)
Moved by faith, Moses’ parents hid him from Pharaoh’s decree, trusting in divine protection.
The Faith of the Israelites
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. (Hebrews 11:29)
Faith led Israel to cross the Red Sea, while their pursuers perished.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days. (Hebrews 11:30)
The people’s obedience in marching around Jericho resulted in the walls falling through faith.
The Faith of Rahab
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. (Hebrews 11:31)
Through faith, Rahab protected Israel’s spies and was spared from her city’s destruction.
Faith Comes by Hearing
The Bible teaches that faith is awakened through the Word of God:
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (Romans 10:17)
What Romans 10:17 tells us is that faith arises when we hear God’s message, and this is a divine gift:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)
When we hear the preaching of the Gospel, God freely offers this gift. This is why proclaiming the Gospel is vital, as it enables people not only to know God but to believe in Him and attain salvation. Unfortunately, not all who hear the genuine preaching of the Gospel believe, as some reject God, disobey His Word, and choose not to live in holiness.
The Righteous Will Live by Faith
The Bible teaches that the righteous must live in this world by their faith in God:
For the righteous will live by faith. (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17)
This faith is a firm trust in God and the righteousness of His ways. It involves personal loyalty to Him as Savior and Lord, as well as moral perseverance to follow His commands. To face life’s challenges, we must stand firm in God through faith. The Bible compares faith to a mustard seed: small at first, but capable of growing and strengthening throughout the Christian journey.
Types of Faith
Faith can be understood in different dimensions, each with its purpose and manifestation:
Natural Faith
Natural faith refers to the innate belief that humans possess. It is the trust in something yet to be realized, such as hope for a better future. This faith is present in everyone, regardless of their relationship with God.
Saving Faith
Saving faith is what leads a person to intimacy with God. It causes one to believe in God’s existence and His promise to reward those who seek Him:
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Supernatural Faith
Supernatural faith is intensified by the Holy Spirit, enabling miracles that defy human explanation. Through it, healings, deliverances, and other extraordinary signs occur, glorifying God.
Conclusion: Faith Transforms Lives
Faith is more than a belief; it is a gift from God that connects us to His power and transforms our lives. Whether through Noah’s trust, Abraham’s obedience, Sarah’s hope, or Rahab’s courage, faith moves mountains and makes the impossible possible. May we hear God’s Word, receive the gift of faith, and live as the righteous, trusting fully in our Savior.
