Faith

Root Word

πίστις

Faith is the noun form of the word, to believe.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, Hebrews 11:1. Faith is the confidence, the belief, the trust in someone or something that is supported by claims and evidence (regardless of the veracity of those claims and evidence) that a person or thing can do or be what the claims and evidence demonstrate. Faith in the object doesn't produce capability, the object is inherently worth trusting in based on the claims and evidence made by/of the object.

Faith is not a verb or noun that specifically pertains to spiritual things, or things of a spiritual nature, like one can have faith that a chair will support one's weight, or that a car will enable you to get from point A to point B without failing. In the context of a biblical application of faith, faith demonstrates that it is predicated by a work of the Holy Spirit, that is not forced neither ineffectual in nature. The activity of the Holy Spirit is nonetheless present as faith grows, and supports a person's faith journey when a person submits themselves to the Holy Spirit's work in their life.

Old Testament

Daniel 3:17 If that's the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if he does not, understand this O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.

New Testament

Matthew 9:27 And when Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, son of David, have mercy on us. 28 And when he entered into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus said to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yes, Lord. 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith let it be done for you. 30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus strictly charged them not to tell anyone.

Faith