supported by proof, especially in reference to facts and things. I believe, for
example, the proposition that water freezes at around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. I
also believe that Saddam Hussein was captured and will one day be hanged for
his crimes against humanity. These are facts, and acceptance of these facts as
being true is an expression of faith. However, when people are involved, the
concept of faith is immensely broadened to include not only various propositions
regarding that person, but also a degree of confidence and loyalty in the one to
whom that faith is directed.
1. Lexical Definition – In the Greek New Testament, the word commonly
translated “faith” is the word pi,stij (pistis). Concerning this word, W.E. Vine
remarks that it means, “primarily, firm persuasion, a conviction based upon
hearing”. The word is variously used of a) trust (Rom. 3.25; I Cor. 2.5; Gal. 3.23);
b) trustworthiness (Matt. 23.23; Rom. 3.3); c) an assurance or ground for faith
(Acts 17.31) or d) a pledge of fidelity, plighted faith (I Tim. 5.12).
2. Faith & Opinion – There is a vast difference between faith and opinion.
Many today mistakenly equate faith with opinion. Thus, we often hear people
referring to faith in God as being a “leap in the dark”. By such, they mean to
suggest that one cannot actually know that God exists. Nevertheless, faith – any
faith – whether in the God of the Bible or in those with whom we associate, is
always the result of testimony. That is to say, I can know that I can rely on
another person only if he has conducted himself in a trustworthy manner. I’ve
seen his loyalty and thus have developed faith in him. It is not merely my opinion
that he is trustworthy, but he has proven himself so to be time after time. Hence,
faith in God is the result of the exposition of and acceptance of evidence. This can
be written evidence (cf. John 20.30-31; Acts 17.11-12) or that which is presented
orally (cf. Rom. 10.14-17; Acts 15.7).
3. Faith In God – Faith in God must be deeper than a mental assent to the
fact of His existence – it must include confidence in Him as well. W. E. Vine
further expounds upon the word faith, affirming that the three main elements in
faith and its relation to the God of heaven include, “1) a firm conviction,
producing a full acknowledgement of God’s revelation or truth…2) a personal
surrender to him…3) a conduct inspired by such surrender”. Hence, there is more
to faith in God than merely accepting the fact of His existence and believing in
His promises. It must be accompanied by loyal adherence to His heavenly will (II
Cor. 10.5).
Therefore, we have shown that 1) faith is based upon the testimony of the
Word of God, and that 2) faith is more than just a “blind leap in the dark”, and 3)
faith in God embraces not only the mental assent to His existence, but also the
firm conviction and trust in God that brings one to surrender to His will, and
finally 4) faith in God leads one to obey all of His decrees. This aptly describes
and nicely summarizes the true, Biblical faith that saves us from our sins.
