What is Faith?

Faith. This is a popular word among the Christians. However, do you really know what it means? What is faith? Christians believe that their faith can save them, that is their faith on Jesus Christ.



According to Oxford Dictionary, faith is "trust in somebody's ability or knowledge, trust that somebody/something will do what has been promised." It sounds about right, doesn't it? Christians believe that God is omnipotent and God is able to do exceedingly. Christians also believe that God will do what He has promised us.



According to American Heritage Dictionary, faith is:
1. Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, an idea, or a thing
2. Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence
3. Loyalty to a person or thing
4. The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will

These definitions are also right. I like the second definition. "Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence." This is the hardest belief that exist. Because of human nature, it is difficult to believe in some thing that we do not see with our own eyes. Yet, this is what faith is. Believing things that we do not see, things we do not feel, things we do not know. Knowing that it is the truth, the reality, even though we do not feel it, because salvation is based on facts and not feelings. This is where faith comes into play, believing the facts.



The bible said, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation...So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10
You can confess publicly that you believe in Jesus. However, if deep down in your heart, you do not believe it, you are still not saved. I think faith is a very personal thing. No one can really see your faith, because no one can see your heart, except for God. However, just believing inside will not save you if you do not confess it. You have to let people know that you do believe in Jesus, after you first believe in your heart.

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Do you believe every thing that you hear? every thing that people tell you? Will you always believe them? I don't. Therefore, it is also hard to just believe what you read in the bible. From time to time, I will still ask myself, "Are these all things true? Did they really happen long time ago?" Sometimes, they are more like fable/myths to me instead of real stories. If you 100% believe in it, then you have your faith.



So, why is faith very important in Christianity? I think faith is important because without having faith first, you will not do other things wholeheartedly. If you still doubt what you believe in, you will do things hesitantly, without knowing if God will really do what He promised.

One example of faith is through the healing process. Most of you know that there are God's chosen people as healers in this world, for example Benny Hinn. Lots of people come to him to get their healings. If you truly believe that God will heal you, you WILL get your healings. However, most of the time, people doubt the easiness of it. Just believe, and He will give it to you. When people start doubting, they start losing their faith and without faith, you will not receive it. God said, "Ask and it will be given unto thee." If you believe He will, claim it, and it's yours. But if you still hesitant, guess what, God will hesitantly give it to you too.



Last, it is always said that your faith will save you. However, by believing alone but still sin, it will not help you. When you said you believe, but you still do sins or do not change at all, people will question your faith. Or put it in better way, you should start questioning your own faith. Do you really believe in what you believe in the first place? I believe that if you believe in God, believe in Jesus, and that you love Him, you will want to do any thing to make Him please with you. From time to time, we can always fall. Don't let you fall trap you. Ask for His forgiveness and get up. Ask Him to help you the next time you are tempted. Be stronger. Learn from your past mistakes and move on.



So, faith is not only about your belief. But it will also affect your behavior and attitude toward God and other people and just life in general.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6



God bless you.