Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is…”
Faith is one of the most important and foundational words in Christianity.
“And now abideth faith, hope, and charity…” 1 Corinthians 13:13
The word faith is used 247 times in 231 verses in the King James Bible. I find it interesting that It is only found twice in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 32:20, Habakkuk 2:4) and while It is used throughout the New Testament it is not found in the Gospel of John, 2 John, or 3 John. It is used one time in 1 John 5:4.
- The use of the word “faith” in Habakkuk 2:4 in very important. It is found in the phrase “the just shall live by faith.” This verse is quoted three times in the New Testament: Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; and Hebrews 10:38. These passages are key and foundational verses in each of these letters.
- Even though the word “faith” is found only once in the Apostle John’s writings, its use in 1 John 5:4 is also fundamental. John says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
FAITH is FOUNDATIONAL because without it…
- There is no Spiritual Life
- There is no Hope
- There is no true Love
- There is no Trust in God or God’s Word
We are SAVED by FAITH – Ephesians 2:8
We are to LIVE by FAITH – Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38
We can only PLEASE God by FAITH – Hebrews 11:6
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
By FAITH we SEE – Hebrews 11:1,3
By FAITH we UNDERSTAND – Hebrews 11:3
FAITH DEFINED…
Faith involves trust and belief in someone and/or something.
Faith involves acceptance that something said or done is truthful or true.
Faith is the exercise of an assured reliance in/on the character, ability, strength, and truth of the one true God.