Scripture defines faith (πίστις) as the substance of that which is hoped for, the conviction of accomplished deeds not seen in Hebrews 11:1. It is therefore not an attitude or belief that is dictated by probability, such as wishful thinking based on a desire, want, or need. Instead, it is a conviction based upon a promise.
Substance refers to the underlying essence by which something exists. Christ is the exact image of God in the flesh. Through His life, the fundamental nature of God was made visible to humans (Hebrews 1:3).
Conviction is the act of presenting evidence to persuade the mind to believe in the truth. This evidence is established upon accomplished deeds that are not seen. We see this demonstrated in the actions of God when He determined to show the heirs of promise the immutability of His determination by giving two immutable facts: it is impossible for God to lie, and He made an oath based upon His word (Hebrews 6:13-18). The conviction of faith is based upon the facts related to accomplished deeds that God has done.
Therefore, faith is the essence of that which is hoped for. By the conviction based upon the facts of the promise, the individual expressing belief will act according to their confidence in the person making the promise, thereby expressing faith.
Many times in Scripture, Jesus called out the faith of those around Him—especially of those who would not normally be expected to have faith. When a Centurion, a Gentile, asked Jesus to heal his servant, the Centurion expressed faith in the fact that Christ is the Messiah, Who was promised to the Jews, by simply asking Jesus to speak the words. He understood that one who is of authority only needs to speak and it is done (Matthew 8:7-10). This Centurion knew the promises concerning the Messiah and His role in bringing healing to the nations, providing a solid basis for his faith. His faith was not presumption or wishful thinking. When Jesus said He would come, the man expressed belief in Christ based upon the deeds He had already accomplished, confident that if He merely spoke it, his servant would be healed. This was a faith that should have been expressed by the Jews, to whom Christ came to fulfill the promises of God.
For us today , God has given promises, and based upon our trust in these promises, we have faith in God. The gospel of the Christ, which involves the gospel for salvation, has within it the inherent ability to save a person (Romans 1:16), and the righteousness of God is revealed through it—out from faith, into faith (Romans 1:17). This salvation comes by faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8).
The Jews had a promise from God and, therefore, a faith. They are coming out from a faith. Whereas the Gentiles were without a promise. Therefore, the Gentiles come into a faith. Yet, both expressions of faiths are based upon the facts of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), for salvation is not offered by any other (Acts 4:12).
How we conduct our lifestyle expresses our faith. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17). It is merely words coming out of a person’s mouth. One who takes God at His Word will act accordingly. This is not someone who lives by law, for that is not a life based upon the promises from God. He said we live out from faith. The law is not out from faith (Galatians 3:12).
The one living out from faith is going to keep Christ’s commandments: to believe on Christ (1 John 3:23), to love other Christians (John 13:14), abide to in Christ (John 15:1-4). When we are abiding in the Son of God, we will love other saints and use the fruit of the Spirit, against which there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).
Because faith is the substance by which the conviction of a promise is brought to reality in our lives, we are to put on that faith as a breastplate, along with love and the helmet of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8). These are not fictitious, abstract, or symbolic concepts, but are vital for protecting our heart, mind, and actions in accordance with God’s instructions for our lives.
Faith is also used in Scripture to refer to specific doctrines, such as how to have victory over Satan, or as a general description of one’s belief in the promises God has given to us. In 1 Peter 5:9, the Apostle Peter instructs us to resist Satan by “the faith”. The faith is described in Ephesians 6:10-18, also known as the armor of God. This armor is grounded upon promises relating to our salvation, and will overcome the methodologies of Satan, who is seeking to devour us by persuading our minds against the truth and getting us to do his will.
Faith has always been a central aspect of our relationship with God. For it is impossible to please Him without faith (Hebrews 11:6). By faith, we understand the ages were framed by Christ (Hebrews 11:3). By faith, Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice to God than Cain (Hebrews 11:4). By faith, Enoch walked with God (Hebrews 11:5). By faith, Noah built an ark that saved his family (Hebrews 11:7). By faith, Abraham left his home country and dwelt as a sojourner in the land of promise (Hebrews 11:8-10). By faith, Sarah received strength to bear a child (Hebrews 11:11).
These and many other saints all died in faith, not having received the promise, because they cannot be made complete before the Church is made perfect. The Church represents the first fruits of the resurrection (Hebrews 11:39). Therefore, they will all be raised after the dispensation of grace is fulfilled and the Church is resurrected, to receive their promises from God.
Since faith is the substance of that which is hoped for, and hope is always based upon a promise, let us ensure that what we are claiming is based upon God’s Word to us. Our faith is not to be based upon promises that He said to Israel, or to other saints of any other dispensation. We are of the household of grace and our faith is based upon the promises given to the Church. Our promises are heavenly in nature, not earthly ones.
By faith, we have victory over sin in our lives by reckoning Christ’s death and resurrection to ourselves and therefore walking in the newness of life we have in Christ. By faith, we overcome Satan by putting on the armor of God when he attacks, which protects our minds from his lies. By faith, we live a life that is set apart from the world system, for in Christ we have died to it. Therefore, we use it, but do not abuse it. We are not to be manipulated in our conduct by the desires from the flesh and eyes, and the pride of biological life.
By faith, we love other saints, fellowship with one another as we walk by the truth, and partake of a quality of the divine nature. We add to our faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, love, and fondness for other saints. In doing these things we will never be unfruitful in the full experiential knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life that I live is out from faith in the Son of God, Who gave Himself for me.