2007-09-23 18:30:06 · 9 answers · asked by leoh 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It would be more accurate to say that saving-faith has a particular quality not so much "components" (though that's not far off the mark).
The Bible teaches that there is a non-saving-faith.
John 2:23 records that "many believed in [Jesus'] name" but v. 24 reveals that "Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people." They had a kind of faith but not the kind or quality that is pleasing to God.
James 2:19 says, "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder." Satan and the demons are not saved, yet they all believe in God and Jesus whom are their arch-enemies.
Many have a "faith" that is based on intellectual knowledge only, or the want of miracles/ results/ benefits, or a shallow commtiment, or a misinformed understanding of who God & Jesus is or what salvation is.
Hebrews 11 has the best section that "defines" and exemplifies what saving-faith is. "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the convictions of things not seen" (v. 1). Also, "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (v. 6).
Saving-faith is not just intellectual but invests deeply in the heart. This is reflected in terms like "assurance" and "conviction". Saving-faith must invest in the truth about God, that He exists and will grant salvation to seekers. Saving-faith also produces action that is visible. This is what the bulk of Hebrews 11 exemplifies with "by faith" someone acted with great trust/ bravery/ virtue. James 2 is the same story. It argues that "faith" must have such a quality that results in "works" (the type of actions seen in Hebrews 11).
All human beings possess the ability to have faith, to trust, and to believe. The object of our faith, however, is what determines whether we can or will believe in it. Believing that I ate pancakes this morning is not the same as believing that God exists. The greater the object and its ramifications for believing in it, the more difficult it is to truly put one's trust in it. The consequences of believing in God can affect my entire life. The consequences of believing in my eating pancakes affects little.
This is why that passage in Ephesians 2:8-9 which says that we are saved "by faith" also acknowledges that that faith "is not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not as a result of works." Faith is a powerful virtue. Hence, God Himself must ultimately empower such a faith for it to blossom into the fruit of saving-faith that leads to salvation.
2007-09-23 19:30:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hebrews 11:1 gives the very definition of faith. So to have faith you need to know what it is that you are putting faith in. So that means research. Then when you learn about what you are to put faith in then you must take action. James 2 states that faith with out works is dead. There are many ways to demonstrate faith. The first however, is education, followed by appreciation, followed by differing acts such as: sharing with others, dedication to God. So to answer your question "yes".
2007-09-24 01:42:08 · answer #2 · answered by C B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't quite understand the question, but pure faith is a neccesity to show you trust in our Lord. You are saved through God's grace. Your faith and faithfulness to Him will save you!
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding.
2007-09-24 01:37:15 · answer #3 · answered by AAA 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Read:
Acts 2:21
2 Tim 3
1 Tim 4:1-2
Romans (3,6,10)
Luke 16:19-31
2007-09-24 01:36:29 · answer #4 · answered by robert p 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You CANNOT be saved without faith.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
2007-09-24 01:37:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hebrews 11. Abraham believed the word of God and it was counted to him as righteousness. God called him righteous.
2007-09-24 01:37:07 · answer #6 · answered by God is love. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: That depends on the version of God and the translation of the Bible that you're using at the time.
2007-09-24 01:34:56 · answer #7 · answered by Cheshire Cat 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Holy WORD of YHWH declares in the Book of HEBREWS that:
"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." Hebrews 11:6
So...YES! FAITH is definitely a major conmponent in pleasing YHWH. Without FAITH, how can one believe on the SON of GOD; who is called Yeshua ha'Mashiach (His real name in Hebrew). One MUST believe that Y'Shua was in fact born of the virgin Mary, lived a life of a servant unto the people; lived a ministry of fulfilment of the entire scope of all the Old Covenant prophecies, healed and performed miracles, died and was resurrected by YHWH on the 3rd day post-mortem, and ascended to the right hand of Father YHWH! FAITH.....is what makes the bridge to GOD possible; and by our Faith in Y'Shua and His perfect, living sacrifice...are we brought HOME to right relationship, and restored fellowship with our Father!
YHWH Bless you for such a good question! AMEN.
Love your sister in Y'Shua,
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2007-09-24 01:46:54 · answer #8 · answered by º§€V€Nº 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
only one thing believe in his son jesus and you will be saved you ask jesus in and you beleve without seeing that is definition of faith.
2007-09-24 01:38:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋