What Is Faith in the Bible? Definition, Examples, and How to Live It
- Chad Fisher
- Mar 31, 2022
- 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 at the heart of the Christian life. Without it, we cannot please God. Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) 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.”
This verse gives us two essentials for biblical faith:
Believing God exists — faith begins with acknowledging Him as real and sovereign.
Trusting God’s character — faith rests in His promise to reward those who seek Him diligently.
While What Is Faith focuses on the definition from Hebrews 11:1, here we’ll look at where faith comes from, what it does, and how to live it out daily.
The Source of Faith
Faith is not something we manufacture through sheer willpower. Scripture tells us it comes from one place:
Romans 10:17 (ESV) — “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
God’s Word is the seed of faith. It reveals His will, His promises, and His power. The more we hear, read, and meditate on His Word, the more our confidence in Him grows.
Faith that pleases God is built on truth — not feelings, circumstances, or human reasoning.
The Nature of Faith
Faith is more than a mental agreement with facts; it is a confident trust in God’s Word, even when the outcome is unseen.
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV) — “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”
Faith is a spiritual grace God plants in our hearts. Jesus starts it and brings it to maturity. It is birthed by the Holy Spirit and strengthened through our walk with Christ.
Biblical faith:
Rests on God’s promises — not on presumption.
Is fully persuaded that what God has promised, He will do (Romans 4:20-21).
Refuses to be moved by visible circumstances.
Faith in Action
Faith is active, not passive. James reminds us: James 2:26 (ESV) — “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”
Faith shows itself in obedience. Noah built the ark before it rained. Abraham left his homeland without knowing where he was going. Peter stepped out of the boat before the storm stopped.
True faith hears God’s Word, trusts His character, and acts in alignment with what He says — even when it’s costly or risky.
Faith Speaks and Stands
Faith speaks in agreement with God’s Word.
2 Corinthians 4:13 (ESV) — “Since we have the same spirit of faith… we also believe, and so we also speak.”
When faith fills your heart, it will come out in your words. This is why it’s important to speak God’s promises, not fear or doubt.
Faith also stands firm when tested.
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV) — “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
What Weakens Faith
If faith grows by hearing God’s Word, it weakens when:
We neglect Scripture.
We focus more on circumstances than on God’s promises.
We allow fear, doubt, or offense to settle in our hearts.
Guard your faith like a treasure — because it is.
How to Grow in Faith
Read and meditate on the Bible daily.
Pray with expectancy, trusting God to answer according to His will.
Obey promptly when God leads you to act.
Surround yourself with people who walk by faith.
Final Thoughts
Faith is the believer’s lifeline. It begins with hearing God’s Word, rests in His promises, acts in obedience, and perseveres under pressure.
As you draw near to God in faith, remember Hebrews 11:6 — He not only calls you to believe, but He promises to reward those who seek Him with all their heart.
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? — for a more personal devotional tone.
Faith Pleases God — moves from definition to impact.
Faith Is Powerful — demonstrates faith’s potency in action.
God Loves You! If this has spoken to your heart and you realize that you need Christ as your Savior and desire to have a relationship with God, have all your sins washed away, and become a new person, then click here and follow the instructions.
Freedom in Christ: 20-Day Galatians Study
Break free from guilt with this Galatians study. In 20 days, deepen faith, memorize 5 verses, and live grace—35 minutes daily. Crafted for the mature or new Christian , self-paced—find liberty in Christ now!
Get it today: ebook format
Please Consider Supporting This Ministry
Comments