What is Faith?
Faith is a work of God.
“Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”” – John 6:29
Faith is a gift from God to His people.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Christians have been saved by grace. The grace of God is the source of salvation; faith is the channel, not the cause. God alone saves. Salvation never originates in the efforts of people; it always arises out of the lovingkindness of God.
– from The NKJV Study Bible
Faith comes through hearing the Word of God.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
Faith is believing in the finished work of Jesus.
“but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:31
John’s purpose in writing his gospel was to convince his readers that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah who fulfilled God’s promises to Israel. Jesus is the Son of God, God in the flesh. By believing these things, a person obtains eternal life.
– from The NKJV Study Bible
How Does the Bible Describe Faith?
Faith is humble.
“Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Luke 7:6-7
We are impressed not only with this man’s great love, but also his great humility. Imagine a Roman officer telling a poor Jewish rabbi that he was unworthy to have Him enter his house! The Romans were not known for displaying humility, especially before their Jewish subjects.
– from The Wiersbe Study Bible
Faith is precious.
“Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:1
Faith is unfeigned.
“Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” 1 Timothy 1:5
The purpose of Timothy’s commandment was ultimately to encourage Christian virtues such as faith and love from a pure heart and a good conscience.
– from The Evangelical Study Bible
Faith is perfect.
“Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?” James 2:22
What is the Purpose of Faith?
Faith saves us from our sins.
“To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:43
In order to receive remission of sins, one has to believe – nothing more, nothing less.
– from The NKJV Study Bible
Faith gives us freedom from condemnation.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18
Faith gives us access to God.
“according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” Ephesians 3:11-12
Faith gives us peace and rest.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
Peace here is much more than the absence of conflict; it is an objective reality that brings harmony to life. Those who have not experienced the new relationship with God are subject to His wrath. The relationship between God and His creation is restored through faith in Christ, dissolving all enmity. The result is peace.
– from The Woman’s Study Bible
What are Works?
Good works were created by God for His people.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
The Bible equips us for good works.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Capable of doing everything one is called to do, equipped for every good work. Enabled to meet all the demands of goldy ministry and righteous living. The Word not only accomplishes this in the life of the man of God but in all who follow him.
– from The MacArthur Study Bible
Can Works Save Us?
Works cannot justify us.
“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works.” Romans 4:2-6
Works are not a substitute for grace.
“And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.” Romans 11:6
Grace and works are mutually exclusive. God’s election was established solely on the basis of grace.
– from The NKJV Study Bible
Works do not secure righteousness.
“but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.” Romans 9:31-32
What Does the Bible Say About Faith and Works?
Faith without works is dead.
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26
Neither faith nor works can be cut off and thrown away. James was taking aim at free-loaders, those who claimed to have no need for good deeds since they had faith. The reality is that if you have faith, works will naturally be a product. You cannot get rid of works just because they do not save you. You cannot sever the effect from the cause. Just as an apple tree will bear apples, so faith will produce good works. Faith and works are not enemies. True faith and righteous works go hand in hand. They are two parts of God’s work in us. Faith brings a person to salvation, and works bring that person to faithfulness. Faith is the cause, works are the effect.
– from The NKJV Study Bible
What Does Jesus Say About Faith and Works?
Use good works to glorify God.
“Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16
Good works should be done out of faith in Jesus.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7:21-23
Jesus said that the true way which leads to life is based on an internal transformation, not on external deeds.
– from The Lucado Encouraging Word Bible
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Content in this article is taken from The Open Bible.
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The Open Bible
The Bible is a collection of 66 books written by many writers over a vast time period, and yet it’s the unified Word of God. The Open Bible offers easy navigation through the interconnected themes and teachings in Scripture with a time-tested complete reference system trusted by millions. Book introductions and outlines augment your study providing an understanding of context and themes from beginning to end.
