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Study Guide: What Is Biblical Faith
Over the following few lessons, we will look at biblical faith. What is biblical faith?
Faith is a cornerstone of the Christian life. We talk about it. However, most of us, myself included, struggle with defining it. Faith and understanding biblical faith can be complex, and many misunderstandings exist. Is faith just a blind acceptance or belief? Let's dive into understanding biblical faith.
Hebrews 11, often referred to as The Great Hall of Faith, maybe a good place to start. Hebrews 11 includes the accounts of many great men and women of faith. People such as Noah, Abraham, and Rahab. What can we learn from their examples about biblical faith?
Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (NIV)
The Greek word translated faith in our English Bibles encompasses more than just belief. It encompasses trust, assurance, and confidence. Biblical faith is confidence or trust in God's word. It's a conviction based on God's faithfulness, and even though we may not see the results now, faith is based on God's faithfulness.
Faith is not blind faith. Faith is not just stepping out somewhat mindlessly and hoping for the best. Biblical faith is based on God's faithfulness. Looking back over the Scriptures, we see that God is faithful and faithful to His word. He (God) heard the cries of the children of Israel when they were held in bondage to Egypt. God promised to deliver them.
Exodus 6:6
"Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment." (NIV)
As we continue to read the biblical story, we see that God did exactly what He said He would do. He delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage. God is faithful, and faith is not blind. Faith is based on the faithfulness of God and His word.
In our series, we will dive deeper into biblical faith. However, for this lesson, faith is assurance and confidence in God's faithfulness. Faith is confidence and trust in God's word.