What Is Faith?

[Hebrews 11:6] Without faith it is impossible to please God.

Mentally accepting the truths of God’s Word as trustworthy is a necessary component of faith. But faith is a lot more than that. Saving faith includes trust and faithfulness. This means trusting God regardless of circumstances and remaining faithful to Him no matter the price we need to pay.

[Hebrews 11:8] By faith Abraham obeyed… And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

[Hebrews 11:17] By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac.

Thinking that once we believe in Jesus we have salvation “in the bag” is a widespread misconception. Yes, it’s God who gives us faith, but it’s our responsibility to keep it . Only those who keep the faith and finish the race will ultimately be saved.

[2 Timothy 4:7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

[1 Timothy 1:18] Wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith.

It’s certainly possible to make shipwreck of our faith, and therefore of our salvation. That’s exactly what the above verse says.

God tests His people. Our faith will be tested often and in many ways.

[Psalms 11:5] God tests the righteous.

Some of these tests will very difficult.

[1 Peter 4:12] Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you.

Many who start the race well abandon it before the finish line. Don’t be one of them. Don’t give up.

[Hebrews 12:1-2] Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.

No matter how difficult the test, guard your faith as your most precious possession and never give up, because your very salvation depends on it.

[James 1:12] Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life.

Passing the tests of faith is a salvation issue. Don’t let the wolves in sheep’s clothing tell you otherwise. If you want eternal life, giving up is not an option.

[Matthew 24:13] The one who endures to the end will be saved.

[Revelation 21:8] As for the cowardly, the faithless, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.