Faith Defined

The Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms defines Christian faith as “Belief, trust, and obedience to God as revealed in Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 11 we are told that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Can you see that both definitions rely on that with which we have faith. There is a criticality in the object of our faith; an absolute necessity. Faith becomes our link to the object of our faith.

Kevin DeYoung offers an interesting perspective and illustration;

“Faith is only the instrument by which we embrace Christ, have communion with Him, and share in all His benefits. It is the object of our faith that matters. If you venture out onto a frozen pond, it isn’t your faith that keeps you from crashing into the water. True, it takes faith to step onto the pond, but it is the object of your faith, the twelve inches of ice, that keeps you safe. Believe in Christ with all your heart, but don’t put your faith in your faith. Your experience of trusting Christ will ebb and flow. So be sure to rest in Jesus Christ and not our faith in Him. He alone is the one who died for our sakes and was raised for our justification. Believe this and you too will be saved.”


Grace and Peace!