The Bible defines faith in Hebrews 11:1: "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith comes by hearing God's word (Romans 10:17), is how we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), and is shown by works (James 2:17).
Faith is trust in God and His promises, even when we cannot yet see the result. These ten KJV passages explain what faith is, how it grows, and how it is lived out.
What faith is
1. Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
The Bible's closest thing to a definition. Faith gives substance to hope and conviction about what is unseen. Hebrews 11 then lists examples, from Abel to the prophets.
2. Hebrews 11:6
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
Faith is necessary to please God: believing He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.
3. 2 Corinthians 5:7
"(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"
Faith grows as we hear God's word.
How faith grows
4. Romans 10:17
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
A short summary of Christian life: we walk by faith, not by sight.
5. Matthew 17:20
"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
Even faith as small as a mustard seed, placed in God, can move mountains.
6. Ephesians 2:8-9
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Salvation is by grace, received through faith, and it is God's gift, not earned by works.
Faith in action
7. Mark 11:22-24
"And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
Jesus teaches His disciples to "have faith in God" and to pray believing.
8. James 2:17
"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."
James insists real faith shows itself in action. Faith without works is "dead, being alone."
9. Romans 1:17
"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
"The just shall live by faith," quoted from Habakkuk 2:4. It became a key verse of the Protestant Reformation.
10. 1 John 5:4
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."
Faith is described as the victory that overcomes the world.
A short prayer
Lord, I believe; help my unbelief. Grow my faith through Your word, and help me trust You with what I cannot see. Let my faith be shown in how I love and serve today. In Jesus' name, amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
New to this method? See our Bible study guide or pick a Bible reading plan.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the definition of faith in the Bible?
Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
How can I increase my faith?
Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing the word of God. Reading Scripture, prayer, and remembering God's past faithfulness all build faith.
What does "faith without works is dead" mean?
James 2:17 teaches that genuine faith produces action. James is not saying works earn salvation, but that living faith is visible.
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
Related: faith without works is dead · Bible verses about trusting God · Bible verses about hope
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