Theology Terms Explained: “Faith”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced or synonymous terms.
The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
The Term
Faith
(fāth)
The Definition
Merriam-Webster: Faith is “belief and trust in and loyalty to God.”
FTG Expanded Definition: Faith is confident trust in God and in the truth of His Word. Biblical faith is not blind optimism, positive thinking, or merely believing something exists. It is a wholehearted reliance upon God’s character, promises, and saving work through Jesus Christ. Saving faith involves knowledge of the gospel, agreement with the truth of the gospel, and personal trust in Christ alone for salvation.
Faith is not the power of the believer. It is dependence upon the power of God. Scripture teaches that believers walk by faith, live by faith, and are saved through faith in Christ. Genuine faith produces obedience, perseverance, and spiritual fruit because true faith always transforms the life of the one who possesses it.
As Martin Luther once said, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.”
The Biblical Connection
The Bible consistently presents faith as essential to salvation and the Christian life.
Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
James 2:17 – “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.”
Used in an Everyday Conversation
“Faith means trusting God even when I cannot see the whole plan.”
“We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.”
“Her faith in God remained steady during suffering.”
“Biblical faith is not wishful thinking. It is confident trust in God’s promises.”
