Faith

1
Faith
2
Introduction

• The Bible says, And without faith it is
  impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God
  must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder
  of those who seek Him (Heb. 116).
• Furthermore, 2nd Corinthians 57 says, we walk
  by faith and Hebrews 1038 says, my righteous
  one shall live by faith.
• Obviously, it is crucial that we have a proper
  concept of Christian faith.

3
Objective vs Subjective

• In Sacred Scripture, the word faith occurs in
  two senses
• used objectively, it refers to the basis of
  faith, i.e., the gospel (Acts 67 Jude 3)
• used subjectively, it refers to ones personal
  faith trust, and confidence (John 824 Rom.
  116-17).

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Definitions Descriptions

• Just what is meant by faith?
• Let us consider English and Greek definitions of
  the word, and also the Biblical description
  provided in Hebrews 111.

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English Definitions

• One of the definitions given for faith in The
  Random House Dictionary is confidence or trust
  in a person or thing.
• The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines
  faith as (1) complete trust or confidence (2)
  strong belief in a religion, based on spiritual
  conviction rather than proof.

6
Greek Definitions

• Thomas defines pistis as derived from peitho to
  persuade, to have confidence, meaning faith,
  faithfulness 4102.
• BDAG say this word (ranging in meaning from
  subjective confidence to objective basis for
  confidence), refers to (1) that which evokes
  trust and faith (2) state of believing on the
  basis of the reliability of the one trusted,
  trust, confidence (3) that which is believed,
  body of faith/belief/teaching.

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Descriptions of Faith

• Consider the inspired description of faith that
  is found in Hebrews 111-2, which says, Now
  faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the
  conviction of things not seen (NASB95).
• Alternatively, the KJV says, Now faith is the
  substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
  things not seen.

8
Substance/Assurance

• The Hebrew writer says that faith is the
  substance (KJV, NKJ) or assurance (ASV, NASV)
  of things hoped for.
• Simply put, the word substance refers to that
  which stands under something as a foundation.

9
Evidence/Conviction

• The Hebrew writer says that faith is also the
  evidence (KJV, NKJ) or conviction (ASV, NASV)
  of things not seen.
• Simply put, evidence refers to that which is
  presented as proof in a court of law to convict
  or exonerate.

10
Faith is Based on Evidence

• Faith is based upon solid evidence eye-witness
  testimony, miraculous confirmation, and fulfilled
  prophecy (2 Pet. 116-21).
• Each of these elements were present in Peters
  sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).

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Miraculous Confirmation

• The truth of the gospel was confirmed by miracles
  (John 31-2 Mark 1617-20 Heb. 21-4).
• This powerful evidence was submitted on the day
  of Pentecost (Acts 21-6, 33).

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Fulfilled Prophecy

• The truth of the gospel was confirmed by
  fulfilled prophecy (2 Pet. 119-21 Luke
  2413-27 Rom. 1625-27).
• This powerful evidence was submitted on the day
  of Pentecost (Acts 216-31).

13
Eye-Witness Testimony

• The truth of the gospel is confirmed by
  eye-witness testimony (Luke 11-4 Acts 115-26
  1 Cor. 151-8).
• This powerful evidence was submitted on the day
  of Pentecost (Acts 214-15, 32).

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Conclusion

• Faith is expressed through active obedience (Rom.
  11-5 1625-27).
• Faith only is wholly ineffectual (James 214-26).
  
• Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all
  those who obey him (Heb. 58-9).
• Have you obeyed the gospel?