Bible Truth FAQs
WHAT FAITH IS
The writer of the Hebrew letter described faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1, KJV). John wrote that Jesus did many other signs which were not written in his gospel account, but that "...these are written that ye might believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; and that believing, ye might have life through his name" (John 20:30-31). The source of faith is as stated by Paul in Rom. 10:17, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Faith in the comprehensive sense means obedience. Jesus said in Luke 6:46, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" The 11th chapter of Hebrews cites several outstanding examples of the faithful, all characterized by what they did by faith. James said, "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" (James 2:17). He also said (v. 19) that the devils believe. They believe in Christ but they will not obey him. Therefore, they are not saved by faith.
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