Faith, as defined in the Bible, is the following.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen . . .
Now without faith it is impossible to please God. For it is mandatory for the one who comes to God to believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:1, 6, HBFV).
Faith is the strongly held conviction and proof that God not only exists but that he rewards those who seek him. It is also a gift that must be given and a fruit of God's spirit within a person (Ephesians 2:8, Galatians 5:22).
Old Testament Usage
Surprisingly, the English word "faith" appears only twice in the King James Old Testament! It is derived both from the Hebrew word emun (Strong's Concordance #H529) and emunah (Strong's #H530). They mean faithful, trusting, trustworthy, steadfastness or moral fidelity.
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 (emun, Deuteronomy 32:20, KJV).
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith (emunah, Habakkuk 2:4, KJV).
New Testament Usage
In the New Testament, however, the word "faith" appears 245 times! It appears the most in the book of Romans (39 times) followed by Hebrews (32) and Galatians (22). 171 out of its 245 appearances are written in the Apostle Paul's fourteen Biblical writings.
Five instances of the word "faith" (Matthew 6:30, 8:26, 14:31, 16:8 and Luke 12:28) are derived from the Greek word oligopistos (Strong's #G3640). This word, spoken by Jesus, refers to someone who lacks confidence or is trusting too little. All other occurrences come from the Greek pistis (Strong's #G4102), meaning a moral conviction or reliance on God as well as an assurance on Him.
Bible Verses
The following are some of the most important Biblical quotes regarding this critical component of a believer's life.
So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of God (Romans 10:17, HBFV).
Now it is written, "The just shall live by faith . . . " (Hebrews 10:38, HBFV, see also Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11).
For we walk by faith, not by sight (2Corinthians 5:7, HBFV).
God requires those He calls to obey him and fill their life with good works. We deceive ourselves if we think merely a belief in Him is enough to save us.
They personally profess to know God, but in their works they deny Him, being abominable and disobedient, and reprobate unto every good work (Titus 1:16, HBFV).
But are you willing to understand, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac, his own son, upon the altar? . . .
Now, in the same manner also, was not Rahab the harlot justified by works when, after receiving the messengers, she sent them out a different way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, in the same way also, faith without works is dead (James 2:20 - 21, 25 - 26, HBFV).
Our trust in God is our shield to protect us in times of trouble and temptation.
Besides all these (the armor of God), take up the shield of the faith, with which you will have the power to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16, HBFV).
Belief in God is one of the three most important traits of a Christian.
And now, these three remain: faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love (1Corinthians 13:13, HBFV).
Other important Bible verses on this subject include Matthew 8:1 - 13, Luke 7:50, Romans 4:20 - 21, 1Corinthians 13:2, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 2:8 - 9, Philippians 3:8 - 9, 1Peter 1:5 - 9 and Hebrews 11.
Righteous Linkage
The linkage between belief in God and works is undeniable. In the last Biblical appearance of faith, God commends those during the Great Tribulation who steadfastly obey him in the face of adversity.
Here is the patience of the saints; here are the ones who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus (Revelation 14:12, HBFV).