Biblical Exposition of the Doctrine of Faith
Faith, in its general sense, is the mind's persuasion that a statement is true, implying trust in its veracity [1]. This persuasion can range in degree, from initial belief to full assurance, depending on the evidence supporting it [1]. The concept of faith is foundational in Christian theology, often described as "the substance of things hoped for" and "the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1) [2].
Biblically, faith is presented as a divine command (Matthew 11:22; 1 John 3:23) and is directed towards God, Christ, the writings of Moses and the prophets, the Gospel, and God's promises [2]. It is not merely an intellectual assent but includes an act of trust [1]. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the doctrine of faith, emphasizing its role in salvation, as seen in Ephesians 2:8: "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works" [9].
Theological traditions further elaborate on the nature of faith. John Calvin, in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, dedicates significant attention to defining faith, viewing it as central to understanding the operations of the Holy Spirit in salvation [3, 4]. For Calvin, faith is the means by which a sinner comes into possession of salvation, perceiving reconciliation with God through Christ's intercession and obtaining pardon for sins [10].
Charles Hodge, one theologian, describes Christian faith in the Bible as analogous to the universal human recognition of the moral law, which is perceived as both true and possessing divine authority [5]. one tradition argues that the renewed individual is enabled by the Holy Spirit to perceive "the things of the Spirit" in a similar way [5]. Hodge also emphasizes that faith is not irrational; it is impossible to believe something that the mind perceives to be false [7].
Faith is understood as a gift from God (Romans 12:3; Ephesians 2:8) and a work of God (Acts 11:21; 1 Corinthians 2:5) [2]. It is described as precious (2 Peter 1:1) and most holy (Jude 1:20), often accompanied by repentance [2]. John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, refers to the "mystery of the faith" as the doctrine of the Gospel, which contains things to be believed and proposes Christ as the object of faith [6]. He also notes that the "foundation of God" refers to the faith of God's elect, which is firm and immovable, supported by divine power and Christ's mediation [8].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Faith — Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true (Phil. 1:27; 2 Thess. 2:13). Its primary idea is trust. A thing is true, and therefore worthy of trust. It admits of many degrees up to full assurance of faith, in accordance with the evidence on which it rests. Faith is the result of teaching (Rom. 10:14-17). Knowledge is an essential element in all faith, and is sometimes spoken of as an equivalent to faith (John 10:38; 1 John 2:3). Yet the two are distinguished in this respect, that faith includes in it assent, which is an act ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Faith — Is the substance of things hoped for -- Heb 11:1. Is the evidence of things not seen -- Heb 11:1. Commanded -- Mt 11:22; 1Jo 3:23. The objects of, are God. -- Joh 14:1. Christ. -- Joh 6:29; Ac 20:21. Writings of Moses. -- Joh 5:46; Ac 24:14. Writings of the prophets. -- 2Ch 20:20; Ac 26:27. The gospel. -- Mr 1:15. Promises of God. -- Ro 4:21; Heb 11:13. In Christ is The gift of God. -- Ro 12:3; Eph 2:8; 6:23; Php 1:29. The work of God. -- Ac 11:21; 1Co 2:5. Precious. -- 2Pe 1:1. Most holy. -- Jude 1:20. Fruitful. -- 1Th 1:3. Accompanied by repentance. -- Mr 1”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 55: 461 ARGUMENT. The two former Books treated of God the Creator and Redeemer. This Book, which contains a full exposition of the Third Part of the Apostles’ Creed, treats of the mode of procuring the grace of Christ, the benefits which we derive and the effects which follow from it, or of the operations of the Holy Spirit in regard to our salvation. The subject is comprehended under seven principal heads, which almost all point to the same end, namely, the doctrine of faith. I. As it is by the secret and special operation of the Holy”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 57: 467 CHAPTER 2. OF FAITH. THE DEFINITION OF IT. ITS PECULIAR PROPERTIES. This chapter consists of three principal parts.—I. A brief explanation of certain matters pertaining to the doctrine of Faith, sec. 1-14. First, of the object of faith, sec. 1. Second, of Implicit Faith, sec. 2-6. Third, Definition of Faith, sec. 7. Fourth, the various meanings of the term Faith, sec. 8-13. II. A full exposition of the definition given in the seventh section, sec. 14-40. III. A brief confirmation of the definition by the authority of an Apostle”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 11: of research or argument, but of inward experience. The change may, and often does, take place in a moment. The faith of a Christian in the Bible is, as before remarked, analogous to that which all men have in the moral law, which they recognize not only as truth, but as having the authority of God. What the natural man perceives with regard to the moral law the renewed man is enabled to perceive in regard to “the things of the Spirit,” by the testimony of that Spirit with and by the truth to his heart. Proof from Express Declarations of S”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 3:9: Holding the mystery of the faith,.... The doctrine of the Gospel, called the "faith", because it contains things to be believed; proposes Christ the object of faith; is the means by which faith comes, and is unprofitable without it: it is called "the mystery", because it is of divine revelation, and could have never been discovered by human reason; and now it is revealed, the modus of many things contained in it remains a mystery; several of the doctrines of it are mysterious ones, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity; and which the ancient Jews call by this ver”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 12: received as coming from Him, for God cannot contradict himself. Nothing, therefore, can be more derogatory to the Bible than the assertion that its doctrines are contrary to reason. Faith in the Irrational impossible. The assumption that reason and faith are incompatible; that we must become irrational in order to become believers is, however it may be intended, the language of infidelity; for faith in the irrational is of necessity itself irrational. It is impossible to believe that to be true which the mind sees to be false. This would ”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 2:19: Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure,.... That faith, which is the faith of God's elect, is of the operation of God, and is the gift of his grace, and of which Christ is the author and finisher, is firm and immovable as a foundation; it is solid and substantial; it is the substance of things hoped for; and it is permanent and abiding; it stands sure, being supported by the power of God, and prevalent mediation of Jesus Christ; and so cannot be overthrown by false teachers, when an historical faith, or the faith of temporary believers may: or the doctri”
- Augsburg Confession (Lutheran) “Augsburg Confession (Lutheran, 1530), 11 This doctrine concerning faith is everywhere treated by Paul,: 11 This doctrine concerning faith is everywhere treated by Paul, Eph. 2:8: By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of your selves; it is the gift of God, not of works, etc.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 66: and destitute of good works. He, therefore, seeks the cause of kindness in himself, that thus he may affect the sinner by a sense of his goodness, and induce him, in distrust of his own works, to cast himself entirely upon his mercy for salvation. This is the meaning of faith by which the sinner comes into the possession of salvation, when, according to the doctrine of the Gospel, he perceives that he is reconciled by God; when, by the intercession of Christ, he obtains the pardon of his sins, and is justified; and, though renewed ”