What is "faith"?
Hebrews 11:1
¶ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Perhaps, the most telling Holy Scriptures in the Holy Bible on the word “faith” are Hebrews 11:1, which give us an explanation of faith, and Hebrews 11:6, which tells us it’s impossible to please God without faith.
Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
This is a Bible study about the word “faith,” and God willing, you will learn, even gain in your faith, as you learn about the Biblical word “faith.”
The first use of the word “faith,” is found in the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 32:20
[20] And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.
This Holy Scripture is found in a song by Moses, which he sung to the children of Israel, a prophetic song in which Israel's lack of faith shall sin against God by worshiping idols and other abominations.
Deuteronomy 31:30-32:1-44
[31:30] And Moses spake in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song, until they were ended. [32:1] ¶ Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. [2] My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: [3] Because I will publish the name of YHWH: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. [4] He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. [5] They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation. [6] Do ye thus requite YHWH, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee? [7] ¶ Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. [8] When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. [9] For YHWH’S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. [10] He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. [11] As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: [12] So YHWH alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him. [13] He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock; [14] Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape. [15] ¶ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. [16] They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. [17] They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. [18] Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. [19] ¶ And when YHWH saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. [20] And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. [21] They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. [22] For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. [23] I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them. [24] They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust. [25] The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs. [26] ¶ I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men: [27] Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and YHWH hath not done all this. [28] For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. [29] O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! [30] How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and YHWH had shut them up? [31] For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. [32] For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter: [33] Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps. [34] Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures? [35] To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. [36] For YHWH shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left. [37] And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted, [38] Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection. [39] ¶ See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. [40] For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever. [41] If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. [42] I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy. [43] Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people. [44] ¶ And Moses came and spake all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he, and Hoshea the son of Nun.
Moses sings of the children of Israel, describing them as “children in whom is no faith.”
In contrast to the first example of a lacking of faith, in the entire Old Testament, the only other mention of “faith” is found in the Prophetic Book of Habakkuk.
Habakkuk 2:4
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Here, YHWH is speaking to His prophet again about His sinful and punished people Israel.
Habakkuk 2:2-5
[2] And YHWH answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. [3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. [4] Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. [5] ¶ Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:
We see in this last usage of the word “faith” in entire Old Testament, that the just (man) will live by his faith (faith in God).
This is the last usage of the word “faith” in Old Testament, bringing us to the New Testament.
The first usage of the word “faith” is found in the New Testament Book of Matthew.
Matthew 6:30
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Let’s look at the context.
Matthew 6:25-34
[25] ¶ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [26] Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [27] Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? [28] And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: [29] And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? [31] Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. [33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [34] Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Here, Jesus is teaching those around Him, to which He refers as “O ye of little faith,” or you who lack of faith, to have faith that God will deliver their daily needs and that rather than seek these or worry about them, to have faith in God and seek God, and His righteousness and the rest will follow. Another way of saying this is don’t worry about the material needs of the world, but rather seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
The next Holy Scripture, in contrast to this first one, speaks of a great amount of faith.
Matthew 8:10
When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Let’s look at the full context.
Matthew 8:5-13
[5] ¶ And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, [6 ] And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. [7] And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. [8] The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. [9] For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. [10] When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. [11] And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. [12] But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [13] And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
In this Holy Scripture, we can see that Jesus marvels at the centurion’s great faith, who says to Jesus “speak the word only and my servant shall be healed.” Jesus in turn heals the servant telling the centurion “as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.” There is the statement by Jesus, “Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel,” and Jesus tells those around him, that many shall come from all over (those justified by their faith) to join Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, but the children of the kingdom, those of Israel, in the flesh (those who lack faith), these will be cast out.
The Next Holy Scripture is Matthew 8:26 where Jesus calms a raging storm.
Mattew 8:26
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Let’s look at the full context.
Matthew 8:23-27
[23] ¶ And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. [24] And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. [25] And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. [26] And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. [27] But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
Jesus refers to His disciples he is with, as “O ye of little faith,” for though they believe Jesus is their Lord, yet they fear for their lives when confronted by the physical world around them. Jesus then rebukes the wind and sea, a great miracle before their very eyes, and still His disciples marvel showing that they have still a lack of faith.
The Next Holy Scripture refers to Jesus healing a man sick of palsy.
Matthew 9:2
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
Now read the context.
Matthew 9:2-8
[2] And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. [3] And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. [4] And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? [5] For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? [6] But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. [7] And he arose, and departed to his house. [8] But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
This Holy Scripture states that Jesus saw their faith, meaning the men bring in one sick to Jesus. Seeing their faith Jesus heals the man, saying be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. The Holy Text then goes on show the scribes (Pharisees), who have no faith in Jesus, accuse him of blasphemy. Jesus declares He has power to forgive sins and heals the man before their eyes. The surrounding crowd then marvels and glorifies God.
The next Holy Scripture is also one where Jesus heals a woman because of her faith.
Matthew 9:22
But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
Read the context.
Matthew 9:18-22
[18] ¶ While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. [19] And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. [20] And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: [21] For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. [22] But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
There are in this Holy Scripture two examples of great faith. One, the ruler who worships Jesus and make his request to lay His hand on his dead daughter, and secondly a woman who sees Jesus, has seen what He can do, and she believes in herself if she touches only His garment, His clothes, she shall be made well.
Jesus turns to the woman who touched his clothes and says, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.”
The next Holy Scripture Jesus heals a blind man.
Mattew 9:29
Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
Now read the full context.
Matthew 9:27-31
[27] ¶ And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. [28] And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. [29] Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. [30] And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. [31] But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
These two blind men follow after Jesus, calling him Son of David and Lord, believe that he can bring them sight. Jesus asks the blind men, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” Then, receiving an affirmation of their faith, He heals them saying, "According to your faith be it unto you."
This next Holy Scripture deal s with Peter’s lack of faith.
Mattew 14:31
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Read the context.
Matthew 14:22-33
[22] ¶ And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. [23] And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. [24] But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.[25] And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. [26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. [27] But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. [28] And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. [29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. [31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? [32] And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. [33] Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
In this Holy passage of Scripture, Jesus appears to His disciples walking on the sea. The first response of the disciples is to fear. Jesus calms their fears saying “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” Peter answers Jesus asking Him to come on the water with Jesus. Jesus bids Peter to come on the water which Peter begins to do, walking on sea like Jesus. Peter suddenly is over come by his surroundings of the world and begins to doubt what is happening and thus begin to sink. Peter calls out to Jesus “Lord save me!”
Jesus then reaches out his hand catching Peter lifting him up and asking Peter why did he doubt?
When Peter is back on the ship all the disciples who witnessed this miracle worship Jesus, calling Him the Son of God. It’s clear they lacked faith when at first they saw the Lord on the waters, but now have gained faith.
The next Holy Scripture deals with a Canaanite woman who petitions Jesus for help.
Matthew 15:28
Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Let’s read the full context.
Matthew 15:21-28
[21] ¶ Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. [22] And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. [23] But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. [24] But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [25] Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. [26] But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. [27] And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. [28] Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
This passage of Holy Scripture is most amazing, yet many will not understand it in its fullest context. It says Jesus departed from Jerusalem, or Judea, and travels to Tyre and Sidon, the land of the Gentiles or nations. There he meets a Canaanite woman who beseeches Him to help her daughter. This Canaanite woman calls Jesus Lord, and Son of David, yet she herself is a stranger to Israel. Jesus first response is silence; it says “But he answered her not a word.” Jesus‘s own disciples also attempted to cast away the stranger saying, “Send her away; for she crieth after us.” To which Jesus responds to all present “ I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
At this time only the Jews of the house of Judah were the house of Israel recognized by God, for God had cast off many of his people Israel for their sins against God, they were no more a people to God. This remaining house of Israel was that of Judah, or the Jews, who were to wait for their redemption by the coming messiah.
Even after this statement, the woman still pleads for Jesus, calling Him Lord, and “she worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.” Jesus reposnds to her again saying, “It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.”
Jesus called this woman and her non-Israelite people “dogs.”
What does the woman do?
She agrees with Jesus!
She said,”Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.“ To which Jesus replies and grants this non-Israelite woman of the Canaanites her petition saying, “O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. This stranger, this foreigner was accepted by Jesus for her faith which was so great, Jesus could not ignore.
In the next Holy Scripture Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Matthew 16:8
Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
Read the full context.
Matthew 16:5-12
[5] And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. [6] Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. [7] And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. [8] Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? [9] Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? [10] Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? [11] How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? [12] Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Here, Jesus admonishes His disciples for their lack of faith, and their lack of understanding. For the Scriptures which precede this passage were about the multitudes fed by Jesus, with only a few loaves of bread and a few fishes. This miracle having been done, Jesus is now teaching them about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, two ruling religious parties of Judah’s day. Jesus said “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” His disciple brought with them no bread, so they thought Jesus was speaking about bread. To which Jesus knowing their thoughts says “O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?” Clearly, His disciples have not learned from the miracle of the bread and fishes, nor fully comprehend the power of very Man amongst them, so Jesus reminds them. Jesus then teaches warning of the leaven of the Jewish religious parties. Only then, do His disciples understand Jesus was talking of the doctrine of Pharisees and Sadducees. Of course, the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees was an early form of Judaism as it is known today.
In this next Scripture, Jesus is teaching His disciples about faith.
Matthew 17:20
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Read the full context.
Matthew 17:14-21
[14] ¶ And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, [15] Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. [16] And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. [17] Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. [18] And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. [19] Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? [20] And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. [21] Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples who tried to cast out a devil of a man, but failed to do so. Jesus responds to the question of “Why could not we cast him out?” “Because of your unbelief.” He continues “for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Here we see unbelief hinders faith, and that only a small of amount of faith can do enormous feats.
Again Jesus teaches His disciples about faith.
Matthew 21:21
Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
Read the full context.
Matthew 21:17-22
[17] And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there. [18] ¶ Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. [19] And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. [20] And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! [21] Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. [22] And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Jesus, here, is seeking to eat the fruit of the fig tree and finding no fruit, he withers the fig tree. His disciples marvel at this event. Jesus teaches them that if they but only have faith, and doubt not they too can perform such feats. Jesus further states “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”
In this next Holy Scripture Jesus is admonishing the scribes and Pharisees.
Matthew 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
It’s clear that Jesus considered the scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites, who are outward holy in appearance but inwardly sinful, hypocritical, unjust men who “have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith.”
The Next Holy Scripture is the same one we have seen; only in the book of Mark do we see how much faith the men had to heal their sick man with palsy.
Mark 2:5
When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
Now learn the effort and faith of men, who brought in the sick to be healed.
Mark 2:1-11
[1] ¶ And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. [2] And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. [3] And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. [4] And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. [5] When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. [6] But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, [7] Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? [8] And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? [9] Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? [10] But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) [11] I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. [12] And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
Here, Jesus has been surrounded by many people in a house. There we so many people pressing to hear Jesus, that the men bringing the sick man could not get near to Jesus, therefore, they removed part of the roof of house where Jesus was preaching from, and lowered down the sick man on his bed. This act of faith impresses Jesus, so much that He says to sick “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.”
The next Holy Scripture in the book of Mark is again the story of the storm at sea.
Mark 4:40
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Read Mark's testimony of the storm.
Mark 4:36-41
[36] And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. [37] And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. [38] And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? [39] And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. [40] And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? [41] And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Again, Jesus, whom is their Master and Lord, is with the disciples, but for their lack of faith they are afraid of world events around them, ignoring the abilities of the man with them. “And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”
The next Holy Scripture is Mark's testimony of the woman who touches Jesus’ hem of His clothing, and is healed.
Mark 5:34
And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
Read the full context.
Mark 5:22-34
[22] And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, [23] And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. [24] And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. [25] And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, [26] And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, [27] When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. [28] For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. [29] And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. [30] And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? [31] And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? [32] And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. [33] But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. [34] And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
In this Holy Passage of Scripture, we learn of a woman who has been sick of disease for many years, and has tried to be healed through many physicians, but failed to become well, hears of Jesus and believes that if she should only get near enough to touch his cloths, she would be made whole.
What faith this woman had, and we learn that indeed she touched Jesus cloths, and that she was healed the very moment. Jesus confirms this to the woman, who fears what she has done, and worships Jesus and confesses to Him of her act, by saying, “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”
Again like the previous passage this Holy Scriptures shows how one’s faith made one whole.
Mark 10:52
And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
Read the full context.
Mark 10:46-52
[46] ¶ And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. [47] And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. [48] And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. [49] And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. [50] And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. [51] And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. [52] And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
We can see the perseverance of the blind man who repeatedly cried “have mercy on me” and also his belief in Jesus who heals him, giving him sight. It also says the blind man followed Jesus after receiving his sight.
The next Holy Scripture deals with the withered fig tree.
Mark 11:22
[22] And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Look at the context, but this involves two passages of Holy Scriptures.
The first is Mark 11:13-14.
[13] And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. [14] And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
The second part is Mark 11:20-24.
[20] And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. [21] And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. [22] And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. [23] For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. [24] Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
One has to wonder did the disciples grasp the parable of withered fig tree, which would represent Judah here. The disciples marvel at Jesus' ability, but Jesus reminds them Have faith in God, and teaches them a lesson in faith, that if a man shall not doubt, but believe that which he prays for, he will receive.
The next two Holy Scriptures have been covered already, as Luke also gives testimony to these healings performed by Jesus, and those who through their faith received such healing.
The man with Palsy in the bed.
Luke 5:20
And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
The centurion’s faith.
Luke 7:9
When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
The following Holy Scripture we see a woman’s faith has saved her from her many sins.
Luke 7:50
And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Let’s read the full context.
Luke 7:36-50
[36] ¶ And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. [37] And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, [38] And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. [39] Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. [40] And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. [41] There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. [42] And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? [43] Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. [44] And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. [45] Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. [46] My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. [47] Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. [48] And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. [49] And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? [50] And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
It’s clear from this passage of Holy Scripture, that the woman’s many actions, by her faith and love of Jesus have brought about her many sins being forgiven. Jesus says her “Faith hath saved thee”. The woman has shown more faith than the very people who in the company of Jesus invited Him to their house.
The next Holy Scripture deals with Jesus calming the storm.
Luke 8:25
And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
The next Holy Scripture deals with Luke’s testimony of the woman who touches Jesus' clothes and is healed.
Luke 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
In the next Holy Scripture Jesus, speaks about not worrying about things such as clothing and food.
Luke 12:28
If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Read the full context.
Luke 12:22-31
[22] ¶ And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. [23] The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. [24] Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? [25] And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? [26] If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? [27] Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [28] If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? [29] And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. [30] For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. [31] But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
This passage of Holy Scripture says many things, but basically it is saying that we, who like his disciples, are oft times of “little faith,” should not worry about the needs of world, rather we should seek the kingdom of God first, and these things will be added.
The next passage of Holy Scripture is an appeal by the disciples to increase in faith.
Luke 17:5
[5] And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. [6] And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
It is evident a little faith in God can do great things.
The next Holy Scripture is about the healing of ten lepers by Jesus.
Luke 17:19
And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Let’s read the full context.
Luke 17:11-19
[11] ¶ And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. [12] And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: [13] And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. [14] And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. [15] And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, [16] And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. [17] And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? [18] There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. [19] And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Jesus is in the land of the ten tribes of the house of Israel, Samaria, where Israel broke God’s Holy law by worshiping idols and was cast away off the land. Here, Jesus meets ten lepers and heals them, yet only one of the ten, a Samaritan and a stranger, returns to Jesus to give glory to God. To which Jesus said “Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”
The next Holy Scripture Jesus asks His disciples a question.
Luke 18:8
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Let’s read the full context.
Luke 18:1-8
[1] ¶ And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; [2] Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: [3] And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. [4] And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; [5] Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. [6] And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. [7] And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? [8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Jesus is teaching his disciples that if man in this world is granted the petitions for anything he asks, Shall not God grant the petitions and prayers of the saints? Jesus is talking about avenging the cries and prayers of the saints, but finishes with a somber question “when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”
The next Holy Scripture in Luke is the story of the blind man receiving sight.
Luke 18:42
And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
In the next Holy Scripture Jesus is speaking to Peter of a trial he will endure.
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Let’s read the full context.
Luke 22:28-32
[28] Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. [29] And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; [30] That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: [32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Jesus shows us that one can pray for another’s faith, just as Jesus does with Peter.
This concludes the usage of the word “faith" in the four Gospel Books.
Interestingly, the word “faith” is not mentioned in the Book of John, which brings us to the Book of Acts. There are many Holy Scriptures in the Book of Acts but for the sake of this study we will cover only few pertinent examples.
This Holy Scripture is the first Scripture in the Book of Acts regarding “faith” and first use of Lord’s name to heal one.
Acts 3:16
And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Now read the full context.
Acts 3:1-16
[1] Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. [2] And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; [3] Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. [4] And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. [5] And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. [6] Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. [7] And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. [8] And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. [9] And all the people saw him walking and praising God: [10] And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. [11] And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering. [12] ¶ And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? [13] The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. [14] But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; [15] And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. [16] And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
This the first time since Jesus has ascended in the heavens that the Name of Jesus is used to heal one.
Peter teaches the men of Israel, and us, that through faith in His name, he has made the man healed from lame to now walking. Peter also says that the faith of one being healed, also helped heal himself, through faith in the saving name of Jesus.
The next Holy Scripture is the second healing by faith.
Acts 14:9
The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
Read the full context.
Acts 14:6-11
[6] They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: [7] And there they preached the gospel. [8] ¶ And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: [9] The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, [10] Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. [11] And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
The Holy Passage says Paul heals a crippled man, who had heard Paul speak of the gospel message, and Paul perceived the cripple had faith to be healed and so was healed.
The next Holy Scripture refers to purifying one’s heart through faith.
Acts 15:9
And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Read the full context.
Acts 15:5-11
[5] But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. [6] ¶ And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. [7] And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. [8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; [9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. [10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? [11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Peter is teaching that faith in God, in Jesus the Christ, purifies our hearts, not the circumcision of flesh, according the Old Testament Law, rather circumcision made by God, the law placed in our hearts by God which Paul would later teach.
This is the last Holy Scripture in the Book of Acts referring to faith.
Here Paul is speaking to king Agrippa attempting to explain the Gospel and Paul’s mission.
Acts 26:18
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
The faith, which Paul speaks is in him, is Paul’s faith in Jesus Christ, through which one is given an inheritance and sanctified through faith.
This concludes the Book of Acts as far studying the word “faith,” and brings us to the Book of Romans.
In Paul’s first letter to Romans, Paul writes that the just shall live by faith.
Romans 1:17
[17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Look at the full context.
Romans 1:14-17
[14] I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. [15] So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. [16] ¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. [17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Paul is teaching that, to all who believe the Gospel of Christ, which is the power of God to salvation, for therein is the righteousness of God revealed through faith in God and in Jesus Christ, for as God stated the just shall live by faith.
Continuing on, Paul writes of the righteousness of God which is by faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:22
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Read the full context.
Romans 3:20-31
[20] Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. [21] But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; [22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: [23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. [27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. [28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. [29] Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: [30] Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. [31] Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Paul writes that the deeds of the law cannot justify one, rather one's faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul further states, that God is over the Jews and Gentiles, and both are to be justified by faith in Christ Jesus. Paul also notes, we do not make void the Holy Law of God through the law of faith, rather we establish the Law, in our hearts through faith in God.
In the next passages of Holy Scripture Paul writes about faith pertaining to the righteousness of Abraham.
Romans 4:1-25-5:1-2
[1] ¶ What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? [2] For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. [3] For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. [4] Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. [5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. [6] Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, [7] Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. [8] Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. [9] ¶ Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. [10] How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. [11] And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: [12] And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. [13] For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. [14] For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: [15] Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. [16] Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, [17] ¶ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. [18] Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. [19] And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: [20] He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; [21] And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. [22] And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. [23] ¶ Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; [24] But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; [25] Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. [5:1] ¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Paul is trying to teach the Romans (men of Israel in Rome) that whether in circumcision (those under the law such as Israelites or Jews), or out of circumcision (those Gentiles/strangers without the law), both are justified by faith. Just as Abraham was not circumcised according the law, was without circumcision, yet his belief in God, his faith in the promise of God he received the righteousness of God. Abraham was made a father of many nations, both those of the uncircumcised and those who would be under the Covenant of God and law of circumcision. The promise, likewise, applies to Abraham’s seed, both circumcised and non-circumcised, and pertains thus to Christ, also born of the seed of Abraham. Thus Paul teaches as righteousness, through his faith, was imputed to Abraham, it is also imputed to those who believe on Jesus Christ, who justifies all by faith, whereby we partake of the Grace of Almighty God.
Paul continues to speak of righteousness being obtained through faith.
Romans 9:29-10:4
[29] And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha. [30] ¶ What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. [31] But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. [32] Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; [33] As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
[10:1] ¶ Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. [2] For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. [3] For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. [4] For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Paul is speaking about Israel, how through their lack of faith miss the opportunity to receive the righteousness of God, for they stumbled on that stumbling block, which was Jesus Christ, for Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believes.
Faith, Paul teaches, comes from hearing the Word of God.
Romans 10:17
[17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Read the full context.
[5] For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. [6] But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) [7] Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] ¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. [14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? [15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! [16] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? [17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. [18] But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Paul is teaching that word of God is the word of faith, that through hearing the word of God, faith is received.
From one’s faith in God, in Jesus, the Christ, one is imputed righteousness of the heart and with mouth one makes confession of one’s faith toward the salvation of God.
In this passage Paul is still speaking of Israel, who stumbled at the stumbling block of Christ.
How shall Israel, both of the Jews and of those lost into the Gentiles, know Christ and believe, except they have preachers sent and hear the gospel. Paul also realizes that the Gospel has been preached all over the world, and still some are in disbelief, or denial.
In the next Holy Scripture Paul is teaching we stand, justified in sight of God, by our faith.
Romans 11:20
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
Read the full context.
Roman 11:16-24
[16] For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. [17] And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; [18] Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. [19] Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. [20] Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: [21] For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. [22] Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. [23] And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. [24] For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
Paul is speaking of Israel, the olive tree, which God chose to be his peculiar people, but Israel’s lack of faith in God sinned and were cast away to the Gentiles, yet some remaining (of Jews), also cast away for unbelief in Jesus Christ. If you through faith (whether Jew or Gentile) were justified and joined to be a part of the same Holy family as God’s People Israel, and were grafted in by your faith, then Fear God, but do not boast against the branches that were cast away (Israelites), for God can graft them back into their natural tree. Likewise God can prune out branches that lose their faith in Christ, and are unprofitable to God.
In the next Holy Scripture Paul states that God has given each man or woman a measure of faith.
Romans 12:3
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Read the full context.
Romans 12:1-5
[1] ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. [3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. [4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: [5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. [6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; [7] Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; [8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Paul is teaching many things here, but as it relates to faith, he is saying that God gives both grace, and a measure of faith, to each person; with each one that measure of faith will determine what ministry or office that member of the Body of Christ will pursue, or engage in. Paul teaches one to not think more highly of his or her self, rather think soberly, as each one of the members of Christ has differing gifts and differing amount of faith.
In the next Holy Scriptures passage Paul is teaching the Galatians that one is justified by faith, not the deeds of the law.
Galatians 3:1-14
[1] ¶ O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? [2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? [3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? [4] Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. [5] He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? [6] ¶ Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. [7] Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. [8] And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. [9] So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. [10] For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. [11] But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. [12] And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. [13] Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: [14] That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Paul also teaches that the children of faith are related to the children of promise by God made to Abraham, who believed God, and was accounted righteousness for his faith. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, that through Jesus Christ we receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
In the next passage of Holy Scripture, Paul speaks of faith and how it moved many to accomplish great things.
Hebrews 11:1-40
[1] ¶ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [2] For by it the elders obtained a good report. [3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. [4 ¶ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. [5] By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. [6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. [7] By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. [8] By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. [9] By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: [10] For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. [11] Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. [12] Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. [13] These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. [14] For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. [15] And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. [16] But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. [17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, [18] Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: [19] Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. [20] By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. [21] By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. [22] By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. [23] By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. [24] By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; [26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. [27] By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. [28] Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. [29] By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. [30] By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. [31] By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. [32] ¶ And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: [33] Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, [34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. [35] Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: [36] And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: [37] They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; [38] (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. [39] And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: [40] God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
It’s clear that these all had faith in something they could not see, and did not receive the promise, yet by their faith they did many great works for God.
The next passage of Holy Scripture from the Book of James echoes this same idea as the previous example which speaks of faith and how one’s faith one will do many works.
James 2:17-26
[17] Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [18] Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. [19] Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. [20] But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? [21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? [22] Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? [23] And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. [24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. [25] Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? [26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James teaches while one is justified by faith in Jesus, one who has faith will also do works and be justified both in faith and works.
In this passage of Holy Scripture refers to the prayer of faith.
James 5:13-18
[13] Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. [14] Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: [15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. [16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. [17] Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. [18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
In this passage of Holy Scripture Peter’s letter to the church refers to the trial of one’s faith.
1st Peter 1:3-12
[3] ¶ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, [5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] ¶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: [7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: [8] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: [9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. [10] ¶ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: [11] Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. [12] Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
This concludes this study as it refers to faith.
There are so many more Scriptures that refer to the faith of the Church, of Jesus, and His Gospel, but that is for you to examine on your own in reading of the Word of God in your Holy Bible.
I pray you have been blessed by this study, as I have in writing it, and may YHWH show you all truth in His Word .