Faith Is Necessary: Why Without Faith it is Impossible to Please God
- Chad Fisher
- Mar 6, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 11
By Pastor Chad Fisher, sharing biblical insights to inspire and strengthen your faith and relationship with God.
Faith is not optional in the Christian life — it is essential. Hebrews 11:6 says: “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.” (ESV)
Notice that the verse doesn’t say it’s “difficult” to please God without faith — it says it’s impossible. Faith is the foundation of every relationship with God and the channel through which we receive everything from Him.
Faith Is the Foundation
Faith is the starting point for salvation and the ongoing pathway for spiritual growth. Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us: “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.” (ESV)
From the moment we believe in Christ for salvation, to every answered prayer and promise fulfilled, faith is the means by which God works in our lives.
Step One: Believe That God Exists
The first step of faith is simply believing that God is real. We cannot see Him with our physical eyes, yet we must be persuaded of His existence. Even if our understanding of Him is incomplete, faith begins with the conviction that there is a supreme, divine Creator who reigns over all.
But belief in God’s existence alone is not enough. James 2:19 warns: “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe — and shudder!” (ESV)
Faith must move beyond acknowledgment into trust and pursuit.
Step Two: Believe That God Rewards
Hebrews 11:6 goes further: we must believe “that he rewards those who seek him.” God is not distant or detached. He delights to reveal Himself, fulfill His promises, and respond to those who earnestly seek Him.
This is where many fall short. They believe in God’s existence but live as if He is far away and uninvolved in their lives. True biblical faith believes not only that God is, but that He is a personal, present, and active rewarder of His people.
Diligently Seek Him
The promise of reward is tied to diligent seeking. “Diligently” means consistently, earnestly, and with persistence — not casually or occasionally. Seeking God requires intention:
Spending time in His Word daily (Romans 10:17)
Praying with expectation
Obeying His leading
Turning from sin and distractions that compete for our devotion
Faith grows as we seek Him, and seeking Him deepens our faith.
Faith in Action
Faith that pleases God is more than intellectual belief — it’s an active trust that shapes how we live. It causes us to:
Pray with confidence, knowing God hears us
Stand firm when trials come
Live in obedience even when we don’t understand
Expect God’s promises to be fulfilled
Final Encouragement
Faith begins with believing that God exists and trusting that He will reward those who diligently seek Him. From salvation to daily Christian living, faith is the necessary ingredient for a life that pleases God.
If you want to grow in your faith, start where Hebrews 11:6 begins: believe in God, pursue Him earnestly, and expect Him to respond. The God who calls you to faith will strengthen you to live by it.
Want more verses that will stir your faith? Check out this list of over 70 Bible Verses about Faith to deepen your understanding and live a life grounded in God’s promises.
Further Study
Want to go deeper on this topic? Explore these related articles:
What Is Faith? — foundational definitions.
Faith Pleases God — understanding why faith is essential spiritually.
How to Strengthen Your Faith in Hard Times — makes your faith necessary and practical.
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