What does the Bible say about faith?
The Bible presents faith as more than mere intellectual agreement—it is an active, lived-out commitment to Christ. While many reduce faith to simply believing in Jesus’s death for sins, Scripture consistently presents faith as loyalty to Jesus as King. Mark 1:15 proclaims, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” This gospel message begins with the declaration of Christ’s kingship, calling for a response that involves both belief and allegiance. True biblical faith is not passive but demands a reorientation of one's life around Jesus and His kingdom.
Faith in Scripture is always tied to action. James 2:17 states, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Faith is not just a private conviction but a way of life that bears fruit in obedience. Noah’s faith led him to build the ark (Hebrews 11:7), demonstrating that trust in God naturally results in faithful action. Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), yet this faith manifests in a transformed life, marked by good works that reflect allegiance to Christ. Genuine faith does not stop at acknowledging the truth but produces a commitment to live under Christ’s rule.
The kingship of Jesus is central to biblical faith. The gospel message proclaims not only that Jesus died and rose again but that He is enthroned as the cosmic ruler. Philippians 2:9-11 declares, “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name… that every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Even the forgiveness of sins flows from His authority as King. Baptism itself is a declaration of loyalty, symbolizing a transfer of allegiance from the world’s systems to the reign of Christ. Faith is not just trust in His sacrifice but a pledge of obedience to His rule.
The thief on the cross exemplifies this kingdom-centered faith. In Luke 23:42, he acknowledges Jesus’s authority, saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” His plea was not just about personal salvation but recognition of Christ’s kingship. Jesus’s response, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise,” affirms that saving faith acknowledges Jesus as the rightful ruler. The thief’s example challenges the notion that faith is only about intellectual belief—it is about submitting to Christ as King, even in one’s final moments.
Faith is ultimately a call to discipleship, where we learn to follow Jesus in a counter-cultural way. Christ calls His followers not just to believe but to obey: “Go therefore and make disciples… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Discipleship reshapes every aspect of life as we move from self-interest, characteristic of Adam’s kingdom, to a life marked by love, humility, and obedience under Christ’s reign. The church serves as the community where this faith is nurtured through corporate worship, teaching, and mutual encouragement. True faith is not passive—it is an ongoing, lived-out allegiance to King Jesus, transforming both individuals and communities into reflections of His kingdom.
