What is Faith?

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What is Faith?

Faith is complete trust, hope, and assurance in God’s mercy and work in our lives. It is not merely a state of mind but a living expression of relationship, revealed in obedience, prayer, and service. Faith opens the eyes of the soul to God’s light and accepts His will, even when we cannot fully understand with our human mind.

The Biblical Concept of Faith

The Bible teaches that faith is the sure hope and certainty of the invisible works of God (Hebrews 11:1). It is the firm knowledge that God works in all things for the salvation of us and the world.

In Hebrew, the word emunah means “steadfast support.” This reflects the truth that faith is God’s holy support in our lives—His hand is upon us in every trial and joy. Orthodox tradition emphasizes that faith is not based on what we see but on trust in God’s holy will.

Scripture on Faith:

  1. “And Abraham believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness.” – (Genesis 15:6)

  2. “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through faith, we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, and what is now seen did not come from anything visible.” – (Hebrews 11:1-3)

  3. “When the people of Israel saw the great power that the Lord had shown against Egypt, they were filled with awe of Him. They trusted in the Lord and in His servant Moses.” – (Exodus 14:31)

  4. “Fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully; think of all the wonderful things He has done for you.” – (1 Samuel 12:24)

  5. “He will protect His faithful ones, but the wicked will disappear into darkness. No one can succeed by faith alone.” – (1 Samuel 2:9)

Faith as a Gift of God

Faith is not a human creation but a gift from God.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one may boast.” – (Ephesians 2:8-9)

In the Orthodox understanding, faith arises from the renewal of the heart by the Holy Spirit. It is the living power of the soul that opens a person to experience God’s mercy and leads to a holy life. Faith grows through meditation on Scripture, participation in the Divine Liturgy, prayer, receiving the Holy Sacraments, and involvement in the Christian community.

Faith brings peace with God and helps us perceive His works in our lives. It motivates following Christ and living according to His love.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – (Romans 5:1)

Faith and Belief

  • Belief is a mental opinion or act of thought, which can change over time.

  • Faith is a gift from God that endures and leads the soul toward holy living. Faith does not disappear in the face of doubt; it lives and grows through the experience of a holy life.

“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe—and shudder.” – (James 2:19)

From the Orthodox perspective, faith is a personal relationship with God that transforms life, guides actions, and opens the soul to experience divine grace. True faith leads to prayer, sacraments, service, and living in love.

Practical Guidance for Growing in Faith

  • Immerse yourself in the Scriptures and the promises of the Divine Liturgy.

  • Participate in the holy life: prayer, spiritual disciplines, and community service.

  • Faith is not based on feelings or immediate experiences, but on the certainty of God’s promises.

  • The Holy Spirit sustains and deepens faith, guiding the soul toward holiness and following Christ.