What is Biblical Faith

Introduction:

This is an issue I have on my heart all the time as a youth pastor

Have you ever heard a grandparent say something, and you think to yourself “that is not what that means”.

Main Point: Today, we will be examining 4 American views of faith so that you might believe in the Gospel as meant in the Bible.

Faith + Works

Definition: Believing in Jesus Christ is necessary, yet without works you are not saved. It is great to believe the good news of Jesus, but if you do not meet Jesus halfway you are not saved.

Example: Roman Catholic teaching states that faith is so important but it is only the first step

Illustration:

You got the job offer, you accepted it, and now you must work.

Your foot is in the door

You have signed up for the class, now you must do your homework

Romans 4:3–5 ESV

3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

Faith is just a feeling

Definition: You do not have to believe that Jesus died for sin or rose again, as long as he rose again in your heart.

Example: Certain “churches” today in America will say things like this.

Illustration: I believe that we will win, I believe that we will win

Romans 10:9 ESV

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Faith is just believing facts

Definition: Faith is simply believing the facts of Jesus

Example: Zane Hodges, I have met several students that will confidently argue why evolution is wrong and even get offended when people say that God is not real. Yet often this is where the belief

Illustration: Hwange National Park in Zambabwe

Question: Do you believe that a parachute is able to save someone from dying when jumping out of a plane? Now what type of belief do you have? Did you know that only 10 people died in 2023 from a skydiving accident? Those are great numbers! Out of 3.2 million jumps, only 10 deaths? It seems that jumping out of an airplane, by the numbers is safe. So what type of belief do you have? Jumping out of the plane type of belief?

Sometimes, I like to think I could be a world traveler, and I explore places that would be fun to visit. A particularly interesting place I found out about is Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, Africa. Can I sell you on how cool this place is? This place is essentially the closest thing to a zoo in terms of wildlife, but it is out in nature. People come from around the world to specifically see the large groups of Elephants, you can go on jeep tours and see all types of sahara wildlife. The interesting thing to me is that there are a large population of lions in this park, and you can pay for guided hikes through this park. These guides are experienced and reliable, but still, your life is somewhat in their hands. A bit scary right? Now I looked up the stats, and did you know that in the last 10 years with so many guided hikes, there has only been one person eaten by a lion? In 2017, a group of hikers got ambushed by a lion, and the lion ate the guide in front of the group. So question: “Do you believe that it is safe to go on the lion hike?” From a facts perspective, by the numbers, the answer is yes! “What type of belief do you have?” Is it intellectual belief that it is probably safe, or is it trust in the guide and willingness to go on the hike.

More Explanation: Sadly, my friends, this is a huge problem in the U.S. today. Particularly in areas that are friendly towards the church. I’m from Tehachapi in the sense of friendliness towards the faith. I live in a politically conservative area, and most people like the idea of God, raising their kids in church, etc.

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

James 2:19 ESV

19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

Faith is opposed to Reason

Definition: People who have faith in Jesus are sweet, but do not believe in fairy tales like that.

Acts 17:30–31 ESV

30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

General Definition

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) Explanation and Scriptural Basis > Chapter 35: Conversion (Faith and Repentance)

conversion is our willing response to the gospel call, in which we sincerely repent of sins and place our trust in Christ for salvation.

Different Ways to Explain Faith

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. πίστις

state of believing on the basis of the reliability of the one trusted

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 31.43 πίστις, εως

that which is completely believable—‘what can be fully believed, that which is worthy of belief, believable evidence, proof.’

Grudem

Knowledge, Approval, and Personal Trust

Knowledge

The Facts of the Gospel Must be Believed

You must believe that Christ paid for sin on the cross, and you must believe that he rose again on the third day.

James 2:19 NASB95

19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.

Approval

John 3:2 NASB95

2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

Acts 26:27–28 NASB95

27 “King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.” 28 Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.”

Trust

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) a. The Idea of Trusting a Person

We may therefore define saving faith in the following way: saving faith is trust in Jesus Christ as a living person for forgiveness of sins and for eternal life with God.

This definition emphasizes that saving faith is not just a belief in facts but personal trust in Jesus to save me.

John 3:16 “in him” vs. “him”

Evangelical Disagreement

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) 1. Saving Faith in Free Grace Teaching

“Faith in Christ is intellectual assent. Stripped of its pejorative connotation, ‘intellectual assent’ is a good definition of what faith is.” Wilkin explains further:

For example, do you believe that George Washington was the first President of the United States? If you do, then you know what faith is from a biblical perspective. There is no commitment, no decision of the will, no turning from sins, and no works that are part of faith in Christ. If you are convinced or persuaded that what He promised is true, then you believe in Him.

MacArthur/Mayhue

Knowledge

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth Knowledge

It is not uncommon to hear someone say, “Well, I can’t really know, but I just believe it.” However, the biblical conception of faith is not an existential leap in the dark or a sentimental, wish-upon-a-star kind of hope. So far from being an alternative to knowledge, true faith is based on knowledge; it has its sure and solid foundation in the knowledge of divinely revealed truth.

Assent

Trust

“I can live with some human imperfections, even among prophets of God—that is to be expected in mortal beings. I can live with some alleged scientific findings contrary to the Book of Mormon; time will correct those. And I can live with some seeming historical anomalies; they are minor in the total landscape of truth. But I cannot live without the doctrinal truths and ordinances restored by Joseph Smith, I cannot live without the priesthood of God to bless my family, and I cannot live without knowing my wife and children are sealed to me for eternity.” - Tad R. Callister, “What Is the Blueprint of Christ’s Church?” (Church Educational System devotional for young adults, Jan. 12, 2014), broadcasts.lds.org.

“Doubt not, but be believing” - Mormon 9:27

Romans 4:3–5 LSB

3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not counted according to grace, but according to what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes upon Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

Acts 17:30–31 LSB

30 “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now commanding men that everyone everywhere should repent, 31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He determined, having furnished proof to all by raising Him from the dead.”

Romans 10:9–10 LSB

9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, leading to righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, leading to salvation.

Matthew 11:28–30 LSB

28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Conclusion:

What is biblical faith?

It is the only way to be saved, through faith in Christ?

It is more than a feeling you have, it is based on the facts of Jesus’ death and resurrection

It is more that your than intellectual belief, it is trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin.

It is more than blind faith, for it is based on someone who is faithful.