Faith in God is both about believing that He exists, and trusting in His character, actions and promises. Only through faith can people be saved.
- For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
This statement that people can only be saved through faith, is a core element of the Christian faith. Therefore, it is repeated in various slightly different wordings throughout the Bible.
- Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. (Galatians 2:16)
- And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
- Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
- Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (John 3:36)
Faith in Jesus Christ changes one’s life completely. The apostle Paul even goes so far as to say:
- I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Life as a believer is not always easy. Christians often experience spiritual attacks and resistance from fellow humans. In these situations, the following verses are important to keep in mind:
- In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. (Ephesians 6:16)
- For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5)
Faith can also help us to keep our hope alive. It helps us see beyond the here and now.
- Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
- So we are always of good courage […] For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:6-7)
Which role does faith play in your life?