FAITH Instant Insight Number One:
I know theories are dangerous, but I still would like to share one with you. My theory is that the biblical word “faith” is possibly the most misunderstood word in the Bible. The next four Instant Insights (below) are part of the revelation of the true meaning of the word “faith” when used in the Bible.
Biblical “faith” is not accurately understood because of the general misunderstanding of what the word “faith” in the Bible means. Many are applying the current day definitions to a Biblical word assuming that the meaning of the word in the Bible is the same. When that is not the case, then we find ourselves misunderstanding the Bible.
For an example, here are some sample current day “faith” definitions from dictionaries.
Dictionary.com – Confidence or trust in a person or thing.
Merriam-Webster
- Allegiance to duty or a person.
- Firm belief in something for which there is no proof.
Do you believe these definitions are correct for the biblical word “faith?”
The answer we all should have is “No.” Both of these definitions most definitely are not the meaning of the word “faith” in the Bible.
FAITH Instant Insight Number Three:
Continuing with the current world definitions of “faith” let’s look at how some well-known and respected people describe faith:
“Faith is not something to grasp, it is a state to grow into.” —Mahatma Gandhi
“Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.” —Voltaire
“Scientists were rated as great heretics by the church, but they were truly religious men because of their faith in the orderliness of the universe.” —Albert Einstein
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” —Martin Luther King Jr.
“Your faith is your world view.” —Pastor Rick Warren
Do you believe any of these definitions are correct for the biblical word “faith?”
Once again, the answer we all should have is “No.” None of the above definitions are correct for the meaning of biblical faith.
FAITH Instant Insight Number Three
The Bible actually provides us with the proper biblical definition of the word “faith.” Here is that definition:
Hebrews 11:1- “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
So faith is assurance. Assurance of what? – of things hoped for. The word “hope” is the Greek word “elpis” which means confident expectation. So “faith” is the assurance of things we have confident expectation in. Those things are all future things.
So, then faith is what you receive when you have assurance of things that will happen in the future. In other words, no doubts. Why are the things not seen? Answer – because they haven’t happened yet!
Now do you understand why the world and many Christians have no idea what the biblical word “faith” means? Faith is the assurance of things which you have a confident expectation of happening in the future, without any doubts. The world and most Christians do not know of or have this faith.
Remember this when you are reading your Bible, all of the definitions we previously referred to are wrong and that it is important to apply the correct definition. Is that really important? Here is an example of the significance of biblical faith:
Hebrews 11:6 – “…and without faith it is impossible to please Him…”
Biblical faith is an essential part of our relationship with Jesus. It is impossible to please Him without Biblical faith.
FAITH Instant Insight Number Four
SUGGESTION – To help us apply the proper definition to the word “faith”, try substituting the words “the assurance of things there is confident expectation in” when you come across the word “faith” in the Bible. It may give you a much better understanding of what the verse means.
SAMPLE VERSES
1 John 5:4 – “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.”
Amended version:
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our assurance of things which we have confident expectations.
1 Thessalonians 3:10 “… as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?”
Amended version:
….as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your assurance of things to have confident expectation in?
Note: 1 Thessalonians 3:10 confirms:
- It is possible to add to and even complete a person’s faith.
- How? By adding to the knowledge and understanding of God’s future plans.
FAITH Instant Insight Number Five
Understanding what the word “faith” means in the Bible will greatly help us understand all of the verses that contain the word “faith.”
But, more important than that, we now know that faith is the assurance we have in future things that we have confident expectation in (no doubts), things that have not been seen because they are in the future. Where do we get that faith? Of course, there is only one source of future information that we can have 100 percent confidence in, that is the Bible.
Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
Amended version:
So assurance of things there is confident expectation in comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
One of the great advantages in being a mature born-again Christian is knowing many of the major events of the future for the planet, for the nations and for the people. They, therefore, enjoy a rest, peace, freedom and power that is not available anywhere else. That is just one of the blessings of knowing and understanding God’s Word.
I pray this discussion on the biblical word “faith” will be of assistance in helping you understand God’s Word and will help lead you into your own personal biblical faith.
Contact email – genedahler1@cox.net