Faith -What Does the Bible Say? -What is Faith?

WHAT SOME PEOPLE SAY 

Many people think that a person who has faith simply accepts a belief without having any real evidence. For example, consider  a religious person who says, "I believe in God."  If that person is asked, "Why do you believe?" he might reply,  "That's the way I was raised" or, "That's what I've always been taught."  In such cases, there might seem to be little difference between having faith and being gullible.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS 

"Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for the evident demonstration of realities that are not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) For a person's expectation to be assured, he or she needs to have sound reasons for that assurance. In fact, the original-language word for the phrase "assured expectation" means more than an inner feeling or mere wishful thinking. So faith involves conviction that is based on evidence. 

Why Is It Important to Acquire Faith?

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS 

Without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him. -Hebrews 11:6. 

As mentioned earlier, many people believe in God simply because they have been taught to do so.  'That's the way I was raised,' they might say.  But God wants those who worship him to have genuine confidence in his existence and in his love.  That is one reason why the Bible emphasizes the need to seek him earnestly, so that we can truly get to know him.  

Next time: Faith-What Does the Bible Say - How Can You Acquire Faith?

From The Watchtower magazine