Dake Bible Discussion Board ⇒ What is faith?

[Justaned]

I was sent this today and I liked it.

Perhaps the most beautiful reply to, “What is faith?” was given by a young child who answered, “Faith is doing God’s will, and asking no questions.”
“The most fitting response to undeserved blessing is unreserved obedience.”

[victoryword]

That was so sweet

However, I prefer the Bible's definition: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb. 11:1)

I know, that sounds a little too "metaphysical" for you, doesn't it?

[Justaned]

That was so sweet

However, I prefer the Bible's definition: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb. 11:1)

I know, that sounds a little too "metaphysical" for you, doesn't it?

Not at all however I do wonder if you understand it?

[scottae316]

This is how I see faith:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8 -NKJV

[bibleman]

This is how I see faith:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8 -NKJV

Hi Scott,

I think we all would agree concerning that passage.

But what is faith as the topic of this post ask?

[frad70]

substance
assurance
it is in the heart
it comes by hearing and hearing
it raised Jesus from the dead

[macca]

Faith is the substance of reality before the tangable proof is evident.

macca

[bibleman]

This is a definition of faith I have used for many years now based on Hebrews 11:1 from the Amplified Bible.

Faith is an inner knowing,
which convinces the spirit of man of the things not seen.
It does not depend on the aid of the five senses
and leaves no options of thought, concern, or another course of action;
which would be contrary to the Word of God,
which produces the faith. – Leon Bible

Amplified Bible - Heb 11:1 NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

[victoryword]

That was so sweet

However, I prefer the Bible's definition: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb. 11:1)

I know, that sounds a little too "metaphysical" for you, doesn't it?

Not at all however I do wonder if you understand it?

It has worked for me from a practical standpoint for nearly 30 years so certainly I have some understanding of it, though I am sure tht there are more depths of revelation concerning it that God can show me. On the other hand, the idea of faith is "just knowing God's will and obeying it" shows a lack of full understanding. Certainly faith begins with knowing the will of God and then acting on it, but sometimes the will of God is not made tangible and visible. Sometimes circumstances seem to go directly against what God has said so a person has to act on God's Word alone without any other evidence than the fact that God is faithful to do as He has said. That often means speaking (confessing) what God has said even when everything appears to contradict it.

This is the kind of stuff you often claim to be "metaphysical" teaching. This is what I claim to be Biblical faith teaching.

[Justaned]

That was so sweet

However, I prefer the Bible's definition: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb. 11:1)

I know, that sounds a little too "metaphysical" for you, doesn't it?

Not at all however I do wonder if you understand it?

It has worked for me from a practical standpoint for nearly 30 years so certainly I have some understanding of it, though I am sure tht there are more depths of revelation concerning it that God can show me. On the other hand, the idea of faith is "just knowing God's will and obeying it" shows a lack of full understanding. Certainly faith begins with knowing the will of God and then acting on it, but sometimes the will of God is not made tangible and visible. Sometimes circumstances seem to go directly against what God has said so a person has to act on God's Word alone without any other evidence than the fact that God is faithful to do as He has said. That often means speaking (confessing) what God has said even when everything appears to contradict it.

This is the kind of stuff you often claim to be "metaphysical" teaching. This is what I claim to be Biblical faith teaching.

Did you even read what you wrote? God's will sometimes is not made tangible and visible so a person has to act on God's word alone. If you have God's word you have something tangible and visible.

You have regurgitated absolute philosophical nonsense.