 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?