Too often, a misunderstanding occurs that distorts the most fundamental element of the life of a Christian, faith.  After all, Hebrews 11:6 Teaches that "without faith it is impossible to please [God]..."  We go wrong when we believe that faith is our belief in or acceptance of God's ability, in "His eternal power and divine nature," as Romans 1:20 puts it.  The problem is that belief in His ability doesn't change me or my relationship with Him; it isn't enough.  Furthermore, if I accept this definition of faith and the idea that it is enough to please God, then I excuse myself from my responsibility as a Christian, and really cannot even truly be a Christian.

The answer lies in the reading of Hebrews 11:1, Romans 10:17, and James 1:3 in tandem.  Hebrews 11:1 defines faith:  "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."  Romans 10:17 teaches us the source of faith:  "faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."  James 1:3 teaches us how faith is developed or strengthened:  "the testing of your faith produces endurance."  All of these scriptures, as well as many others, lead us to the conclusion that faith is my belief in God's Word.  His Word "calls into being that which does not exist" (Romans 4:17).  Hebrews 11:3 and 2 Corinthians 4:18 teach us that Hebrews 11:1 speaks of God's Word when it defines faith as what is "hoped for" and "not seen."  The implication of Romans 10:17 is that I cannot have faith without having heard the Word of God.  And James 1:3 teaches that, once I have trusted God's Word, as I go through life acting on His Word, my faith is strengthened.

A correct understanding of faith changes everything.  I am not saved by believing that God exists and that He is who He says He is.  I must entrust myself to Him by believing His Word, concerning my sin and His completion of the work of salvation through Jesus, and entrusting myself to Him.  Then I am responsible for living my life according to His Word, by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), in obedience to God, through His Holy Spirit.  "You believe that God is one.  You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder"  (James 2:19).  But what are you doing with His Word?

"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."-John 1:14

"The entrance of Your words gives light..."-Psalm 119:130 a