The Bible says, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb. 11:6).

Furthermore, 2nd Corinthians 5:7 says, “we walk by faith” and Hebrews 10:38 says, “my righteous one shall live by faith.”

Obviously, it is crucial that we have a proper concept of Christian faith.

In Sacred Scripture, the word “faith” occurs in two senses: • used objectively, it refers to the basis of

faith, i.e., the gospel (Acts 6:7; Jude 3); • used subjectively, it refers to one’s personal

faith trust, and confidence (John 8:24; Rom. 1:16-17).

Just what is meant by “faith?” Let us consider English and Greek

definitions of the word, and also the Biblical description provided in Hebrews 11:1.

One of the definitions given for “faith” in The Random House Dictionary is “confidence or trust in a person or thing.”

The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines faith as “(1) complete trust or confidence; (2) strong belief in a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof.”

Thomas defines pistis as derived from peithō [to persuade, to have confidence], meaning “faith, faithfulness” [4102].

BDAG say this word (ranging in meaning from subjective confidence to objective basis for confidence), refers to “(1) that which evokes trust and faith; (2) state of believing on the basis of the reliability of the one trusted, trust, confidence; (3) that which is believed, body of faith/belief/teaching.”

Consider the inspired description of faith that is found in Hebrews 11:1-2, which says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (NASB95).

Alternatively, the KJV says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

The Hebrew writer says that faith is the “substance” (KJV, NKJ) or “assurance” (ASV, NASV) of things hoped for.

Simply put, the word “substance” refers to that which stands under something as a foundation.

The Hebrew writer says that faith is also the “evidence” (KJV, NKJ) or “conviction” (ASV, NASV) of things not seen.

Simply put, evidence refers to that which is presented as proof in a court of law to convict or exonerate.

Faith is based upon solid evidence: eye-witness testimony, miraculous confirmation, and fulfilled prophecy (2 Pet. 1:16-21).

Each of these elements were present in Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).

The truth of the gospel was confirmed by miracles (John 3:1-2; Mark 16:17-20; Heb. 2:1-4).

This powerful evidence was submitted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-6, 33).

The truth of the gospel was confirmed by fulfilled prophecy (2 Pet. 1:19-21; Luke 24:13-27; Rom. 16:25-27).

This powerful evidence was submitted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-31).

The truth of the gospel is confirmed by eye-witness testimony (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:15-26; 1 Cor. 15:1-8).

This powerful evidence was submitted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-15, 32).

Faith is expressed through active obedience (Rom. 1:1-5; 16:25-27).

Faith only is wholly ineffectual (James 2:14-26).

Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all those who obey him (Heb. 5:8-9).

Have you obeyed the gospel?