Introduction:
Faith. It’s a word that gets thrown around often in religious, spiritual, and even secular contexts. People talk about having faith to achieve their goals, believing that faith can move mountains or unlock personal success. But what if I told you that much of what we think we know about faith is not quite the full picture?
Over the years, faith has been packaged as a tool for personal gain, a means to fulfill desires, or a quick fix for problems. But is that the true essence of faith? Is faith simply about getting what we want in life, or is there something deeper at play?
In this article, we’re going to explore the hidden truth about faith—what it really is, what it was meant to do, and how it works in the life of a believer. We’ll peel back the layers of misconception that have clouded its true meaning and uncover the transformative power of faith, not just as a means to an end, but as a vital relationship with the Creator and a life-altering force.
If you’re ready to challenge the way you’ve thought about faith and embark on a journey of rediscovery, then keep reading. It’s time to look beyond the surface and discover the truth that can change everything.
Key Scriptures to Set the Foundation for Faith
As we dive into understanding the true nature of faith, let us first lay the groundwork with the words of scripture, which provide a powerful foundation for the faith we are called to walk in:
- “Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” – Jude 1:3
This verse reminds us that the faith we are called to is not a modern invention, nor a tool to be used for personal agendas. It is the same faith ONCE delivered to the saints—the original, unaltered truth that must be guarded and held firmly, without distortion. - “Them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 1:1
Faith is a gift that we obtain through the righteousness of Christ, and it is precious—valuable beyond measure. It is not something we manufacture on our own, but rather, it is bestowed upon us through the work of Jesus.
3 “Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” – Hebrews 12:2
The essence of our faith is found in Christ—He is both the beginning and the completion of our faith. We are called to look to Him, the one who perfects and matures our faith through His work in us.
“Unlike the time when Jesus walked the earth under the still-intact Old Testament covenant—when the apostles pleaded, ‘INCREASE our faith’ (Luke 17:5)—such a request is no longer required and is not applicable under the New Covenant, as the Holy Ghost had not yet been given to them, and the way into the holiest of all had not yet been made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing (Hebrews 9:8). But our stance is not so in Christ. Now faith has COME! Their stance was that, before faith CAME, they were kept under the law, SHUT UP unto the faith which should AFTERWARDS be revealed (Galatians 3:23).” Faith comes by hearing the word of God – Romans 10:17 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Acts 2:37 These verses highlight the corresponding nature of hearing the Word and the stirring up of faith in the heart. As the Word of God is proclaimed, it stirs faith within those who hear it, and this faith leads to obedience. The growth of the disciples and the conversion of a great company of priests demonstrate that true faith, stirred by the Word, results in a life of obedience to God’s call.
Faith is not merely intellectual assent, nor is it mere belief; it leads to a heartfelt repentance, a response to God, and submission to His will. True faith is transformative, moving beyond mental acknowledgment to a genuine change of heart and life that aligns with God’s purposes. And this kind of faith cannot be concocted or forged by man; it must come from God to an elect soul. Christ is the author and finisher of faith, period. It was the Spirit of Christ that had sway on the Old Testament believers as well – Galatians 3:8; 1 Peter 1:11. An elect soul is one that receives the seed of faith, a good ground in this context, prepared by God to respond to His call. This faith is divinely planted and nurtured, and it takes root in the heart of those whom God has chosen, producing a transformation that leads to repentance and submission to His will.
“So, in regeneration, everything included in the package of grace is initiated by the gift of faith. By what law? By the law of faith. This faith is imputed to the elect of God.” Romans 3:27 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Romans 3:28 For by grace are ye saved through (the imputed) faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:5,8
Now we’ve been instructed to build ourselves up on that most holy faith which we’ve received is in its seed form. The spiritual life that we’ve inherited in Christ can only be built upon this law of faith. Anything outside of faith is sin, for whatsoever is not of faith is sin – Romans 14:23
Then there is the trial of faith and the testing of faith, which are crucial in perfecting and establishing it. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ – 1Peter 1:7. Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4
The word “temptation” used here is translated from the Greek peirasmos (πειρασμός). In this context, it refers not to enticements to sin, but to challenges or trials that test the believer’s faith and character. These trials are meant to refine and strengthen faith, and believers are encouraged to count it all joy when facing such difficulties. These tests and trials not only refine and strengthen faith, but they also serve to sanctify the believer, helping them grow in holiness and Christlikeness as they endure and persevere in the midst of difficulties.
Today, many people believe that we are primarily called to the work of God or ministry. In reality, however, the true calling of a believer in Christ is to become like Christ and to be perfected, just as our Heavenly Father is perfect. This often leads to neglecting the work of the Holy Spirit within us. While we are entrusted with the work of God, we must keep the work of Christ in our hearts as a parallel focus. Without first being built up ourselves, we attempt to go out and build others. We, who have the plank in our own eye, seek to remove the speck from our brother’s eye.
To partake of the divine nature and His holiness must be our utmost longing and desire, for without holiness, no one shall see the Lord. We do not need to work alone; instead, we must allow Christ to live in us. Our conformity to His Word and our willingness to comply with His will are what are truly required.
We cannot attain the standard of God on our own, but because we were crucified with Christ and no longer live, it is Christ who lives in us – Galatians 2:20. Those who are in Christ have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts – Galatians 5:24. Therefore, we can only submit to the work of Christ through the Spirit and His Word, allowing Him to transform us from within. That is where this precious faith comes into play. It is through faith that we are able to submit to the work of Christ, trusting in His transformative power through the Spirit and His Word, enabling us to live according to God’s will.
See, God has already equipped us, and all we need to do is submit to His work through His Word. It is by yielding to His Word that we allow His power to transform us and enable us to walk in His ways. We must allow the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus to supplant the law of sin and death that resides in our members, constantly attempting to take us captive. This battle occurs as it wrestles with the law of our minds, but by the Spirit, we are empowered to overcome and live according to the new law of life in Christ.
A spiritually immature person is unskilled in the word of righteousness; they are still a babe in Christ, yet carnal (1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Hebrews 5:13). However, those who have attained maturity in the Spirit are not like this. They are conformed to the image of their Master on the inside, reflecting His character and nature in their thoughts, actions, and desires. This inner transformation manifests as spiritual maturity, aligning them with Christ in both spirit and truth. As it is written, “The disciple is not above his master, but every one that is perfect shall be as his master” (Luke 6:40). Out of the good treasure of his heart, he brings forth good things. His inner transformation, shaped by Christ, overflows into actions and words that reflect the goodness and righteousness of God. As the heart is renewed, so too are the works that flow from it. Luke 6:45
One who is endowed with earthly, sensual, and devilish wisdom exhibits fighting and discord as their assets. For where envy and strife exist, there is confusion and every evil work. In contrast, the mature in spirit, possessing a spiritual mind, is endowed with the wisdom that comes from above. This wisdom is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3).
Now the question arises: if they were shut off from faith, how is it that Abraham became the father of faith? And how do we reconcile Hebrews 11 and 12, which reveals a cloud of witnesses who fought for faith and were counted as righteous? The answer lies in understanding that, although the law under the Old Covenant could not bring righteousness through works, faith was always the means by which the righteous lived. Abraham, though a heathen, was called by God to receive the promise, which indicates that it was God’s mercy and grace that enabled him to respond in faith. His faith, as stated in Romans 4:3, was counted to him as righteousness. These witnesses in Hebrews 11 and 12 exemplify the enduring power of faith, even before the fullness of the New Covenant was revealed. Their faith, despite being before the revelation of Christ, was counted for righteousness because it pointed forward to the promise of salvation through Him. This shows that faith, even in the Old Covenant, was always a gift from God, and without His intervention, no one would be able to respond in faith. Human beings, in their total depravity, cannot generate faith on their own. It is God who opens the heart and mind to see and know Him, granting the grace to respond.
But there is one exception to the working of faith, which pertains to the gifts of the Spirit. As stated in 1 Corinthians 12:9, “To another faith by the same Spirit.” This is a unique endowment given to a chosen few, a special gift of faith that operates supernaturally for the edification of the body of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s will. Unlike the general faith that comes from God to all believers, this gift is specifically granted for particular purposes and is a manifestation of the Spirit in the life of the believer.
“Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6) means that it is not a call to generate faith on your own, nor is it a demand or command from God to work to concoct faith in the heart, which is absurd and an impossibility. Given humanity’s total depravity, where we are incapable of responding to God as He intends, and recognizing that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, the faith that pleases God must come to a person through Christ. It is through Christ alone that faith is granted, and it is this faith that enables us to please God. Faith is not something we can manufacture, but rather a gift from God that transforms the heart and aligns it with His will.
As it is written, “so that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:29). This emphasizes that no one can claim righteousness or boast in their own works before God. Faith, being a gift from God, ensures that all glory and praise are directed toward Him alone. It is by His grace and mercy that we are able to respond in faith, and this humility before God removes any grounds for human boasting. Our salvation, and the faith by which we are saved, is entirely the work of God, ensuring that He alone receives the glory.
James 1:6-8, which says, “Ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways,” reveals a deeper understanding of faith. While it may seem like a person without faith is downcast or lacking enough faith, it is crucial to understand that wavering and instability in faith do not necessarily mean a complete absence of faith.
The key lies in recognizing that the trying of faith perfects it (James 1:3). A faith that has not been tested or tried can easily waver, becoming double-minded and unstable in its response to life’s challenges. The instability mentioned here is not about a lack of faith altogether, but about an immature, untested faith that has not yet been proven in the crucible of trials. In this sense, faith that has been tried is the anchor that stabilizes one’s life, keeping the ship of life from capsizing. Without trials, faith may not yet be fully formed and may lead to uncertainty, but the testing of faith is what brings about its maturity and steadfastness. Therefore, instead of judging someone as lacking faith, we should recognize that the process of growth in faith involves trials and perseverance.
The test of faith is crucial because it is through testing that faith matures, becomes steadfast, and proves its genuineness. Without the trial of faith, it would remain unrefined and vulnerable to wavering. Just as gold must be refined in fire to remove impurities, so must faith be tested to strengthen and perfect it. The trials we face reveal the true nature of our faith and shape it into something that can endure and withstand life’s challenges. Without these tests, faith remains untested, and we risk becoming unstable and double-minded, as James 1:6-8 describes. Therefore, the test of faith is not only inevitable but also necessary for spiritual growth, making faith the anchor that holds firm through life’s storms.
“For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord” means, that without attaining that level, one won’t see things happening around as teh desires of the heart or the vision that God has placed within you can only come to fruition when faith reaches its maturity. What does the Bible say? But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, AFTER that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Peter 5:10
Hebrews 12:5-11 confirms the process by which we come to maturity and inherit the righteousness of God. These verses speak of the discipline and training of a loving Father, who disciplines His children for their good, so that they may share in His holiness and bear the fruit of righteousness.
In these verses, we see that God’s discipline is not a sign of rejection but of His love and commitment to our growth. Just as a father corrects his child to guide them toward maturity, so God allows trials and testing to refine our faith, perfect our character, and conform us to the image of Christ. Hebrews 12:10 says, “For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.”
The ultimate goal of this discipline is righteousness, as verse 11 highlights: “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Through the trials and the discipline that God allows, we are shaped and perfected, and we inherit His righteousness. This process of growth in faith and holiness leads us to spiritual maturity and greater conformity to God’s will.
If the author of our salvation, Jesus Christ, had to be taught obedience and made perfect through suffering, as Hebrews 2:10 and 5:8-9 state, how much more do we, as His followers, need to undergo similar processes of growth and refinement? Hebrews 2:10 says, “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Likewise, Hebrews 5:8-9 states, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”
Christ, being fully God and fully man, underwent the suffering and process of learning obedience in His human experience. His perfection through suffering and obedience was not for His own sake but for ours, so that He could become the perfect and ultimate Savior. If He, the sinless Son of God, needed to be made perfect through suffering, how much more do we, who are in need of transformation, need to undergo trials and discipline to grow in obedience and maturity?
This illustrates that spiritual maturity and obedience are not achieved apart from suffering, discipline, and testing. Just as Jesus was perfected through His obedience and suffering, we too are called to embrace the refining process, trusting that our trials are shaping us into His image and preparing us to inherit the righteousness of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 serves as a powerful encouragement for us to persevere in faith, drawing strength from the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and from the example of Jesus Himself. The “great cloud of witnesses” are those mentioned in Hebrews 11, who endured trials, suffering, and persecution, yet remained faithful to God. They paved the way for us, demonstrating that faith, even in the midst of hardship, leads to victory.
The call to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us” highlights the need to remove anything that hinders our walk with God. Whether it’s sin or distractions, we are urged to set these aside and run the race with endurance. The key to enduring is “looking unto Jesus,” the ultimate example of faith, who is both the author and the finisher of our faith. He began the work of salvation, and He will complete it in us.
Jesus endured the ultimate suffering—”the cross, despising the shame”—for the joy set before Him, which was the redemption of humanity. By looking to His example, we are reminded to endure, not to become weary or faint in our minds, but to press on in faith. Jesus faced great opposition and contradiction from sinners, yet He remained steadfast. In doing so, He shows us that, though we may face trials and hardships, we are not alone, and our faith can be strengthened as we follow His example.
Sadly much of modern Christianity, particularly in certain circles, has shifted the focus of faith away from the perseverance, suffering, and spiritual growth that the Bible teaches. Instead, there is a prevalent teaching that emphasizes using faith as a means to accumulate wealth, material success, and earthly comfort. This prosperity gospel teaches that faith is a tool to receive worldly blessings, which distorts the true nature of faith as revealed in Scripture.
In contrast, Hebrews 12:1-2 calls believers to a life of endurance, to look to Jesus as the model of perseverance through trials and suffering. True faith, as exemplified by Christ, is not about attaining earthly success but about enduring through challenges and remaining faithful to God’s calling, regardless of circumstances. Jesus’ example of suffering and sacrifice for the joy set before Him teaches that faith’s purpose is not to gain material wealth but to grow in holiness, to endure suffering, and to ultimately inherit eternal life with God.
Unfortunately, many modern teachings emphasize an earthly view of faith, focusing on personal prosperity and worldly success, while neglecting the call to suffering, sacrifice, and spiritual maturity. This misinterpretation diverts the believer’s focus from the true purpose of faith—to live in obedience to God and to be conformed to the image of Christ, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross. Faith in the New Covenant is not about acquiring earthly possessions, but about being refined, strengthened, and sanctified through life’s trials and looking forward to eternal rewards.
“The Spirit of God has instructed us about ‘the steps of faith’ that we all must walk in—a model to follow—just as we are called to walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised” (Romans 4:12). This verse speaks to the foundational nature of faith in the life of the believer. Abraham’s faith serves as a profound example, as he believed God’s promise before the covenant of circumcision was even given. His faith was not based on outward signs or rituals, but on a deep, trusting relationship with God.
The “steps of faith” refer to a life of obedience to God, even when the path ahead is unclear. Just as Abraham stepped out in faith, trusting God’s promises despite not knowing the outcome, so are we called to walk in faith, following God’s guidance and promises. The Spirit of God, who instructs us in these steps, reveals that true faith transcends external markers like circumcision, rituals, or works. It is about trusting God’s Word and walking in the obedience of faith, just as Abraham did, even before the full revelation of the covenant.
In walking in the steps of Abraham’s faith, we are learning to trust God beyond circumstances, relying on His promises rather than visible signs. This is the kind of faith that God honors, a faith that believes His Word, even when the fulfillment seems distant or the way uncertain.
The faith that we receive from God must be perfected, just as Abraham’s faith was perfected over time. Romans 4:20-21 speaks of Abraham’s unwavering faith: “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Abraham’s faith was tested and refined through various trials and delays, but he remained steadfast, trusting God’s promises.
Similarly, the faith that God imparts to us is not meant to remain stagnant or underdeveloped. It is meant to grow, be tested, and be perfected. James 1:3-4 explains that “the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Just as Abraham’s faith was perfected through the testing of God’s promises, our faith is strengthened and perfected through trials, endurance, and reliance on God’s faithfulness.
A perfect faith is not one that is without doubt or struggle, but one that, through the testing, becomes stronger and more resolute. It is a faith that does not stagger at God’s promises but stands firm, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill what He has spoken. Our faith must grow in the same way, becoming more and more strong and unwavering, reflecting the example set by Abraham, who trusted in God’s ability to fulfill His promises, even when they seemed impossible.
Many people seek shortcuts to spiritual maturity, such as fasting or other methods, in an attempt to expedite the things of the Spirit. While these practices are not inherently wrong and can be part of a sincere walk with God, they cannot replace the essential process of faith being tested and refined over time through trials and challenges. Just as a shortcut in any other area of life often bypasses necessary growth, seeking to shortcut spiritual maturity bypasses the essential trials that perfect faith.
Aged faith, the kind that has been “pickled” in trials and tests, is the kind of faith that God desires to perfect. It is through enduring hardship, facing challenges, and overcoming adversity that faith is strengthened, purified, and made steadfast. As James 1:3-4 teaches, “the trying of your faith worketh patience,” and this patience leads to a mature, complete faith—one that is “perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
God’s way of perfecting faith often involves long seasons of growth where we are stretched and tested, where we are forced to rely on His promises rather than our own strength or quick fixes. Just like aged wine, which gains depth and richness over time, so does faith that has been tested in the furnace of affliction. This is the kind of faith that endures, that does not stagger at God’s promises, and that reflects His glory. So, while fasting and other practices can certainly enhance our spiritual life, they are not substitutes for the deep and enduring work that God does in us through trials, which perfect our faith according to His plan and timing.
The waiting itself is indeed a trial. It can be one of the most difficult aspects of the Christian walk because it challenges our patience, trust, and reliance on God’s timing. Waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled, or for direction in life, can feel like a prolonged trial. In fact, the waiting period often becomes a test of faith in and of itself.
The waiting process refines us, teaching us to lean on God and trust that His timing is perfect, even when we don’t understand it. Psalm 27:14 encourages us, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Waiting calls for courage and endurance, and it is often in this season that our faith is truly tested.
As we wait, we are learning to surrender our own sense of control and timing to God. The longer the wait, the more we are tested in our willingness to trust that He knows what is best for us. It is a trial because it forces us to confront our impatience, our desires for instant gratification, and our lack of control.
But it is also a trial that has the potential to build a deeper, more enduring faith. As we endure in waiting, we become more aligned with God’s purposes and more conformed to the image of Christ, who waited on the Father and trusted in His perfect timing. Just like Abraham, who waited for God’s promise of a son for many years, or the Israelites, who waited in Egypt for deliverance, waiting is part of God’s refining process, preparing us to receive His promises when the time is right. It’s in the waiting that our faith matures, as we learn to depend on God, rather than our own strength or understanding.
When prayers aren’t answered right away, it is a call to hold on to faith, and it can be incredibly grievous. Waiting for an answer to prayer, especially when it feels like God is silent or distant, is one of the most challenging experiences for a believer. It tests our trust in God’s character and His timing, and it often brings us face to face with our fears, doubts, and anxieties.
However, this period of waiting is also where faith is refined. As the Psalmist says in Psalm 130:5, “I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope.” It’s in these moments of silence that we are called to trust not in our circumstances, but in God’s faithfulness to His promises. When answers are delayed, it can be a test of our patience, our endurance, and our commitment to believe that God is still at work, even when we can’t see immediate results.
It is grievous because our natural instinct is to seek immediate relief, to have our prayers answered according to our own timing and desires. But God’s ways are higher than our ways, and He often allows these times of waiting to stretch our faith, deepen our dependence on Him, and refine our character.
James 5:7-8 encourages us, “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receives the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” Just as a farmer waits for the harvest, we are called to be patient, trusting that God is working in ways we cannot always see. Even when prayers seem unanswered, God is still moving, still refining us, and still at work in our lives.
So, while it is grievous, it is also an opportunity for faith to grow, for our relationship with God to deepen, and for our trust in His perfect will and timing to be strengthened. It may not be easy, but in the end, this kind of perseverance in faith produces the kind of character and spiritual maturity that God desires in us.
This period of waiting is a precious opportunity, even though it may feel challenging or grievous at times. Instead of falling into the trap of murmuring, complaining, or doubting, we are called to view it as a refining process—something that holds eternal significance. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
When we endure trials with faith and patience, without giving in to murmuring or despair, we are aligning ourselves with God’s purpose for our growth and sanctification. The waiting period, though difficult, is designed by God to build character, develop perseverance, and deepen our trust in Him. By choosing to honor God through our faithfulness during the wait, we are storing up treasures in heaven, as it contributes to an eternal weight of glory that far outweighs our temporary suffering.
Instead of viewing waiting as a burden, we can see it as an opportunity for spiritual growth—an opportunity to show God that we trust Him even when the answer seems delayed. This perspective shifts our focus from the temporal discomfort to the eternal reward. Every moment of faithful waiting is seen by God, and He promises that these moments, though difficult, will yield something far greater in eternity.
In the midst of waiting, we can choose to glorify God by surrendering our will to His, trusting in His perfect timing, and resting in the assurance that He is working all things together for our good. This transforms the waiting from something that might cause frustration into something that strengthens our faith and prepares us for greater glory. The process may be hard, but the outcome—an eternal weight of glory—is worth it.