The Theologian
Weekly Textual Analysis & Update Log| uTheology
What does it mean to have faith?
Faith is comeplete surrender to Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (ESV). Faith is a gift from God, not our own. "...for by grace..." This is also a warning: do not be self rightous and belief that you are the reason you are saved. That honor goes to Jesus.
Hebrews 11:1 states, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (ESV). Faith is knowing that Jesus' blood saves. Faith is also trusting God with all your heart. Your actions reflect your faith in the Lord. For example, the couch I am sitting on right now. I put my faith in it supporting my body weight. That is faith.
"What does faith really mean?"
Formulate your personal conclusion with your sources! Use your personal notebook to save the question and your answer.
It is important to note that studying the Bible and knowing the Bible will not get you into heaven, nor works. In fact, the Bible can be an idol if used wrongly. This is especially important for Theologians and people studying the Bible. This is called Bibliolatry. There are a few different kinds of bibliolatry, though. There is literal idolatry, which is treating the physical book as equal to or greater than God, and then there is Textual Idolatry, which is idolizing the words and meaning over God.
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