Biblically, what does it mean to live by faith in God? (Part Two)

From the heart of Dr. R. L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. Few subjects in Scripture are more important for believers to understand and embrace than that of faith. The following is just a few of the things that the Bible declares come through faith: We’re born into eternal life through faith (John 3:16); We’re declared righteous before God by faith (Romans 5:1); We’re forgiven by faith (Ephesians 2:8); We understand the mysteries of creation by faith (Hebrews 11:3); We see the things that are unseen by faith (Hebrews 11:1); We walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7); We’re influenced and empowered by the Holy Spirit by faith (Romans 10:17). We overcome the sinful nature, the world system, and the devil by faith (1 John 5:4-5). In short, we can only please God by faith (Hebrews 11:6). The issue of faith pervades every aspect of our relationship with God and our service to Him. It’s therefore imperative that believers understand and embrace exactly what faith in God is, how it comes, and how it grows. Faith in God is generally understood to be something that grows and deepens over time, rather than remaining static. It's a journey of learning, experiencing, and actively nurturing one's belief in God. Paul reminds us, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). This verse emphasizes that faith is not something we generate on our own, but rather it is a gift from God that is received through hearing His message. Paul's point is that faith is cultivated through understanding and accepting the truth revealed in the Bible, especially the gospel about Christ. Be encouraged!