Faith is the golden thread woven through every page of Scripture, connecting God’s people across every generation. From Abel’s acceptable sacrifice in Genesis to the final promises in Revelation, the Bible is a book about faith—what it is, how it works, and why it’s essential for a relationship with God. Without faith, the Bible declares, “it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Yet with faith, mountains move, seas part, giants fall, and lives transform.
This comprehensive guide explores faith as it unfolds throughout the entire Bible—from the patriarchs and prophets to Jesus and the apostles—revealing that faith has always been God’s way of relating to humanity.
What Is Faith? The Biblical Definition
Hebrews 11:1 – Faith Defined
The most famous definition of faith in Scripture is found in Hebrews 11:1:
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” — Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Other translations render this:
- “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (KJV)
- “Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” (CSB)
Faith involves three key elements:
- Confidence/Trust: Firm reliance on God’s character and promises
- Hope: Forward-looking expectation based on God’s faithfulness
- Unseen Reality: Believing in spiritual truths not yet physically manifested
Faith is not blind optimism or wishful thinking—it’s confident trust in the proven character of God and His revealed Word.
The Hebrew and Greek Words for Faith
Hebrew (Old Testament):
The primary word is ’emunah (אֱמוּנָה), meaning “firmness,” “steadfastness,” “faithfulness,” or “trust.” It emphasizes reliability and stability.
“The righteous will live by his faithfulness (emunah).” — Habakkuk 2:4 (NIV)
Greek (New Testament):
The word is pistis (πίστις), meaning “faith,” “belief,” “trust,” or “confidence.” The related verb pisteuō means “to believe” or “to trust.”
“For we live by faith (pistis), not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
In both testaments, faith is active trust—not mere intellectual agreement but wholehearted commitment to God.
Faith vs. Belief: Understanding the Difference
While often used interchangeably, there’s an important distinction:
- Belief can be intellectual assent: “I believe God exists.”
- Faith involves personal trust and commitment: “I trust God with my life.”
Even demons believe in God’s existence (James 2:19), but they don’t have saving faith. Biblical faith is relational trust that results in obedience and transformation.
Faith in the Old Testament: Foundations and Forerunners
The Old Testament is filled with examples of men and women who trusted God against all odds.
Abel’s Faith: The First Acceptable Sacrifice (Genesis 4)
“By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings.” — Hebrews 11:4 (NIV)
Abel’s sacrifice was acceptable not merely because of the type of offering, but because it was offered in faith. He trusted God’s way of approach, not his own.
Lesson: True worship requires faith in God’s prescribed way.
Enoch’s Faith: Walking with God (Genesis 5:21-24)
“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death… And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” — Hebrews 11:5-6 (NIV)
Enoch’s faith was demonstrated through walking with God—a life of intimate, daily communion. His faith pleased God so much that God took him to heaven without dying.
Lesson: Faith results in close relationship with God.
Noah’s Faith: Building the Ark (Genesis 6-9)
“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.” — Hebrews 11:7 (NIV)
Noah had never seen rain (Genesis 2:5-6 suggests only mist watered the earth). He had never seen a flood. Yet he believed God and spent 120 years building a massive boat on dry land while his neighbors mocked.
Lesson: Faith obeys God even when circumstances seem impossible and others ridicule.
Abraham’s Faith: The Father of Faith (Genesis 12-22)
Abraham is called “the father of all who believe” (Romans 4:11). His faith journey includes:
1. Leaving home by faith (Genesis 12:1-4):
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” — Hebrews 11:8 (NIV)
2. Believing for a son (Genesis 15:6):
“Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” — Genesis 15:6 (NIV)
This is the first time “believed” and “righteousness” appear together in Scripture—establishing that faith, not works, makes us right with God.
3. Offering Isaac (Genesis 22):
“By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice… Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead.” — Hebrews 11:17, 19 (NIV)
Abraham’s faith was so strong he believed God could resurrect Isaac if necessary. This ultimate test proved his faith was genuine.
Lesson: True faith trusts God’s promises even when they seem delayed or impossible.
Moses’ Faith: Choosing God Over Egypt (Exodus-Deuteronomy)
“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” — Hebrews 11:24-25 (NIV)
Moses’ faith led him to:
- Refuse earthly riches and power
- Choose suffering with God’s people
- Confront Pharaoh repeatedly
- Lead Israel through the Red Sea
- Endure 40 years of wilderness wandering
Lesson: Faith values eternal treasures above temporary pleasures.
Rahab’s Faith: From Outsider to Insider (Joshua 2, 6)
“By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.” — Hebrews 11:31 (NIV)
Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, declared:
“I know that the LORD has given you this land… for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” — Joshua 2:9, 11 (NIV)
Her faith led to:
- Protection of the Israelite spies
- Salvation for her and her family
- Inclusion in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5)
Lesson: Faith is available to anyone—no background disqualifies you from God’s grace.
David’s Faith: A Man After God’s Heart (1 Samuel-Psalms)
David’s faith was evident when he faced Goliath:
“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty… This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands.'” — 1 Samuel 17:45-46 (NIV)
While others saw an unbeatable giant, David saw an opportunity to demonstrate God’s power. His psalms overflow with expressions of faith:
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” — Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
Lesson: Faith sees God as bigger than any giant we face.
The Prophets’ Faith: Speaking God’s Word
The prophets demonstrated faith by:
- Speaking unpopular messages (Jeremiah)
- Trusting God’s provision (Elijah)
- Believing in future restoration (Isaiah)
- Remaining faithful under persecution (Daniel)
“And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised.” — Hebrews 11:32-33 (NIV)
The Hall of Faith: Hebrews 11
Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith” or “Faith’s Hall of Fame.” It chronicles the faith journeys of Old Testament believers, demonstrating that faith has always been God’s requirement.
“By Faith” – The Repeated Refrain
The phrase “by faith” appears over 20 times in Hebrews 11, emphasizing that every hero accomplished what they did through faith, not personal strength:
- “By faith Abel…”
- “By faith Enoch…”
- “By faith Noah…”
- “By faith Abraham…”
- “By faith Moses…”
What All These Heroes Had in Common
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” — Hebrews 11:13 (NIV)
What united these faith heroes:
- They believed God’s promises even when unfulfilled in their lifetime
- They lived as pilgrims, not settling for earthly comfort
- They looked forward to a heavenly homeland
- They persevered despite trials, persecution, and suffering
“These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” — Hebrews 11:39-40 (NIV)
The Old Testament saints looked forward to the Messiah by faith. We look back at the completed work of Christ by faith. All are saved the same way: by grace through faith.
Faith in the Gospels: Jesus’ Teachings on Faith
Mustard Seed Faith (Matthew 17:20)
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” — Matthew 17:20 (NIV)
Jesus taught that it’s not the size of your faith, but the object of your faith that matters. A tiny seed of genuine faith in the almighty God can accomplish the impossible.
Great Faith and Little Faith
Jesus commended great faith in unexpected people:
“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, ‘Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.'” — Matthew 8:10 (NIV) (about a Roman centurion)
And He rebuked little faith in His own disciples:
“‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.” — Matthew 8:26 (NIV)
Great faith trusts God fully. Little faith trusts God partially while still depending on circumstances.
“Your Faith Has Saved You” – Jesus’ Words to Believers
Jesus repeatedly connected faith to salvation and healing:
“Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'” — Mark 5:34 (NIV)
“Jesus said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.'” — Luke 7:50 (NIV)
Faith was the channel through which God’s power flowed. Faith doesn’t manipulate God—it receives what God freely offers.
Faith in the Epistles: Theology and Practice
Justification by Faith (Romans 3-5)
The Apostle Paul built his theology of salvation on faith:
“For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” — Romans 3:28 (NIV)
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1 (NIV)
Justification means being declared righteous before God. This happens by faith alone, in Christ alone—not by human effort.
Faith and Works Together (James 2)
James addresses the relationship between faith and works:
“You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone… faith without deeds is dead.” — James 2:24, 26 (NIV)
This doesn’t contradict Paul. James is saying:
- Paul teaches: Faith alone saves (not works)
- James teaches: True saving faith produces works (not dead faith)
Faith and works are not competitors but companions. We are saved by faith alone, but saving faith is never alone—it produces good works.
Think of it this way:
- Root: Faith (invisible)
- Fruit: Works (visible evidence of genuine faith)
The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” — Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)
In spiritual warfare, faith is our primary defense. It protects us from:
- Doubts about God’s love
- Accusations from the enemy
- Temptations to quit
- Lies about our identity
Living by Faith, Not by Sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
This doesn’t mean ignoring reality—it means interpreting reality through the lens of God’s truth rather than temporary circumstances.
- Walking by sight says: “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
- Walking by faith says: “I believe it, so I’ll eventually see it.”
The Object of Faith: Jesus Christ
Faith in Jesus for Salvation (John 3:16, Acts 16:31)
While the Old Testament saints had faith in God’s promises, New Testament faith centers on Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of those promises.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16 (NIV)
“They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.'” — Acts 16:31 (NIV)
Saving faith is faith in Jesus Christ—His death for our sins and His resurrection for our justification.
Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith (Hebrews 12:2)
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” — Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Jesus is both:
- The Author (Pioneer) of our faith: He initiates and creates faith in us
- The Perfecter (Finisher) of our faith: He brings our faith to completion
We don’t just have faith like Jesus—we have faith in Jesus, and He sustains that faith from beginning to end.
How Faith Grows and Matures
Faith is not static—it’s meant to grow.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” — Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
Faith grows through:
1. Hearing God’s Word
Regular Bible reading and preaching strengthen faith.
2. Prayer
Communicating with God deepens trust.
3. Trials
“The testing of your faith produces perseverance.” — James 1:3 (NIV)
4. Obedience
Acting on faith strengthens faith.
5. Community
Fellowship with other believers encourages faith.
6. Remembering God’s Faithfulness
Recalling past provisions builds confidence for future needs.
Living by Faith Today: Practical Applications
1. Trust God with your future.
Like Abraham, obey God even when you don’t know the outcome.
2. Face your giants with confidence.
Like David, see challenges as opportunities to demonstrate God’s power.
3. Obey when it doesn’t make sense.
Like Noah, trust God’s word even when circumstances seem to contradict.
4. Persevere through trials.
Like Moses, value eternal rewards above temporary comfort.
5. Believe God’s promises.
Claim Scripture promises and stand on them.
6. Live for eternity, not just today.
Like the Hebrews 11 heroes, seek a heavenly homeland.
7. Let your faith produce works.
True faith results in loving obedience (James 2).
Powerful Bible Verses About Faith
- Hebrews 11:1 (NIV): “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
- Hebrews 11:6 (NIV): “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
- Romans 10:17 (NKJV): “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV): “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
- Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV): “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
- Mark 9:23 (NIV): “‘If you can’?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.'”
- Matthew 17:20 (NIV): “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
- Habakkuk 2:4 (NIV): “The righteous person will live by his faithfulness.”
- Romans 1:17 (NIV): “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.'”
Frequently Asked Questions About Biblical Faith
1. What is the biblical definition of faith?
Faith is confident trust in God and His promises, even when we cannot see the outcome. Hebrews 11:1 defines it as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
2. Is faith a gift from God or a choice we make?
Both. Faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8, Romans 12:3), but we must choose to exercise it. God enables faith, and we respond in belief and trust.
3. How is faith different from hope?
Hope is confident expectation of future good based on God’s promises.
Faith is present trust in God’s character and Word.
Hope looks forward; faith acts now.
4. Can you have faith without works?
According to James 2:17, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” True saving faith always produces works as evidence, though we are saved by faith alone, not works.
5. How do I increase my faith?
Faith grows through: hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17), prayer (Mark 9:24), obeying what you know, enduring trials (James 1:3), and remembering God’s past faithfulness.
6. What is the difference between faith in the Old Testament and New Testament?
The object of faith differs slightly: Old Testament saints trusted God’s promises about a coming Redeemer; New Testament believers trust in the fulfilled promise, Jesus Christ. But the principle is the same: salvation has always been by grace through faith.
7. What does it mean to “live by faith”?
Living by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) means making decisions based on God’s Word and character rather than visible circumstances. It’s trusting God’s truth over feelings or appearances.
8. What is saving faith?
Saving faith is wholehearted trust in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of sins and eternal life (Acts 16:31, John 3:16). It involves:
- Knowledge: Understanding who Jesus is and what He did
- Agreement: Believing it’s true
- Trust: Personally relying on Christ for salvation
9. Why do some prayers of faith seem unanswered?
God always answers, but sometimes the answer is “no,” “wait,” or “different than you expected.” Faith trusts God’s wisdom and timing (Romans 8:28). Additionally, faith must align with God’s will (1 John 5:14) and pure motives (James 4:3).
10. Can faith move mountains?
Yes, but not always literally. Jesus used this metaphor (Matthew 17:20) to teach that faith in God can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. The “mountain” represents any barrier to God’s purposes. Faith doesn’t manipulate God but aligns with His will to accomplish His purposes.
Conclusion: The Journey of Faith
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture tells one consistent story: God saves and relates to humanity through faith. Abel offered by faith. Abraham believed by faith. Moses led by faith. David fought by faith. The prophets spoke by faith. And when Jesus came, He called all to “believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
Faith is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey. It’s how we begin our relationship with God, and it’s how we walk with Him every day until we see Him face to face.
The heroes of Hebrews 11 didn’t have perfect faith, but they had persistent faith. They stumbled, doubted, and failed—yet they kept trusting. And God honored their faith.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” — Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
The same God who sustained their faith sustains yours. Keep believing. Keep trusting. Keep walking by faith.
The righteous will live by faith. — Habakkuk 2:4
🙏 Reflect and Respond:
- Where is God calling you to step out in faith today?
- Which biblical faith hero most inspires you, and why?
- What “mountain” do you need to face with mustard seed faith?
- Is your faith producing works that demonstrate its genuineness?