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All aspects of life require a degree of faith. We have faith our car will start every morning. We believe in gravity. We trust our doctors. But, when something moves from the observable to the unobservable, from the known to the unknown, then faith kicks into high gear. Now, we must truly have faith in things unseen. We often hear, “I took a leap of faith,” “I stepped out in faith,” or “I went on blind faith.” But, what is faith? While our modern sayings possess a degree of truth, if we turn to the Bible we will find the most systematic and satisfying answers.

According to the writer of Hebrews, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Heb. 11:1).” This verse best encapsulates a precise definition of faith. Faith is a belief or trust in something unseen. But, faith is not blind. Faith depends on two elements: the knowledge of a future reality and the present assurance that this future unseen reality is actually true. First, God’s assurance provides the knowledge of a future reality with Him. He ratifies this reality and assures the us by His word. The Scriptures demonstrate God’s fulfillment of His past promises and assure us of His future covenant faithfulness. Assurance literally means “standing-under”. In faith, we stand under God’s word and legitimately claim our future right from His guarantee. God speaks in truth and in faith we trust His word. Then, conviction emboldens the believer. Despite the abstract, intangibility of the future fulfillment of God's promises, God presently convicts the believer with a tangible and real boldness by the His Holy Spirit (John 16:8). This conviction serves as God’s present proof and serves as a confirmation for the future completion of His promises. So, a biblical “leap of faith” involves both the edifying power of God’s word and a present conviction by His spirit.

The groundwork of the Christian faith rests, not on convincing scientific theories, but on the power of God (1 Cor 2:5) found in His provable word (Prov 30:5; Ps 12:6) and the certain conviction of His spirit (John 16:8). In Romans 10:17, we read, “for faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ.” The word of Christ allows man to tangibly listen to God. But, true faith depends upon more than listening, but hearing. Hearing entails both comprehension and compliance. Only God’s power allows spiritually dead men to hear (Col 2:13). His Holy Spirit convicts men and women of their unrighteousness and sin (John 16:8), softens their hearts and allows the word of Christ to penetrate into a their very soul (Heb 4:12). The word of Christ and the Holy Spirit work in conjunction to bear the fruit of faith (Acts 2:37).

We must accept Christ as the center of our faith and all our resulting actions (Rom 10:9). Under the weight of His word and conviction of His Spirt, we repent and trust in Him (Acts 2:37-38). In Him, we possess a faith in God. Yet, Christ's work continues, He initiates (Acts 3:16) and perfects our faith (Heb 12:2). His word plants the seed and His spirit harvests the produce. We may strive in personal piety, but apart from Christ our faith is meaningless (1 Cor 15:14). Good works never produce faith. His power ensures that our faith produces good works (James 2:22-26). Only Christ may produce, ensure, and perfect the Christian faith.

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