According to the bible faith is a gift from God. Does God give everybody this gift?
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8
2007-02-18 17:15:24 · 22 answers · asked by me 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sorry, the Bible is a little weak on this.
At times it does suggest that faith is a gift from God. But most of the time it is a requirement.
How can someone require an emotion? It's there or it's not, right? And how come we get punished if we don't have it?
2007-02-18 17:19:21 · answer #1 · answered by adphllps 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i actually believe that the HOLY Ghost gives the gifts of the spirit, even without repentance as HE will, cor ch.12
But Paul said desire the gift of prophecy, so that all may be edified. Cor 14:1
But Paul said that EVERYON has a Gift, of somekind. I think he said to everyone is given the gift of the manifestation of the spirit.
So this is the gift that is given to all.
but according to pauls statement we can get gifts by our own choice.
But concerning the gift of faith, it is obvious not everyone chooses to get the gift of faith because there are many athiests.
My personal opinion is that God can give us a gift of Faith but it can vary in Volume as to how much a person can hear or receive. Some people come into life with no faith and therefore have to excercise turning the volume up in order to Excercise faith prayer and scripture study must be practiced.
2007-02-19 01:28:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
We are saved through Faith & Grace, the gift of God is Eternal life.
2007-02-19 01:25:11 · answer #3 · answered by Jason 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not of yourselves means that you are not saved by your works or good deads. You have been saved by Gods grace. You obtained that grace by having faith in god. Grace is the gift. You have to obtain your own faith.
2007-02-19 01:20:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
God's grace is the gift. Only because of God's grace has he given us a way to be saved, and that way is through Jesus.
2007-02-19 01:27:37 · answer #5 · answered by puma 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you ask, it shall be given to you.
I think the above quote from Romans was misinterpreted.
Romans 9:18
So then He has mercy on whomever He wills (chooses) and He hardens (makes stubborn and unyielding the heart of) whomever He wills.
I take this to mean that G-d has responded differently some depending on the actions they already have shown. That is, if one has not shown effort to seek the truth, one will become stubborn and hardened. Not because of the cruel whim of the almighty, but because of the natural consequence of one's actions.
As to faith for those who submit to G-d, we read in the Koran:
"In the name of the merciful and compassionate God.
ALIF LAM MIM
1 That is the book! There is no doubt therein; a guide to the pious, 2 who believe in the unseen, and are steadfast in prayer, and of what we have given them expend in alms; 3 who believe in what is revealed to thee, and what was revealed before thee, and of the hereafter they are sure. 4 These are in guidance from their Lord, and these are the prosperous. 5 Verily, those who misbelieve, it is the same to them if ye warn them or if ye warn them not, they will not believe. 6 God has set a seal upon their hearts and on their hearing; and on their eyes is dimness, and for them is grievous woe."
From the Hassidic Jewry, we have from the principles of the Rambam, concerning faith as transmitted by Torah:
6. I believe with perfect faith that all the words of the prophets are true.
7. I believe with perfect faith that the prophecy of Moses is absolutely true. He was the chief of all prophets, both before and after Him.
8. I believe with perfect faith that the entire Torah that we now have is that which was given to Moses.
9. I believe with perfect faith that this Torah will not be changed, and that there will never be another given by G-d.
10. I believe with perfect faith that G-d knows all of man's deeds and thoughts. It is thus written (Psalm 33:15), "He has molded every heart together, He understands what each one does."
2007-02-19 01:19:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Faith is a gift however you have a part to play if you want to receive that gift.
"Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God."--Rom. 10:17.
2007-02-19 01:20:18 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. E 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The verse is regarding salvation. Salvation is a gift, provided that you have faith in God. Faith itself is what YOU must posses to receive salvation...
Reading the whole chapter might help you understand to context better.
--Lauren
2007-02-19 01:23:16 · answer #8 · answered by Lauren 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Word of God also says that He has given to all of us a measure of faith. It is left up to us how we cultivate it. Anything not nurtured will not reach it's full potential. May God Bless U.
2007-02-19 01:22:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Faith is believing in the gift.THe gift is being saved thru the belief in Jesus Christ.
2007-02-19 01:26:38 · answer #10 · answered by 2004 Champs 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋