8023 faith, necessity of

A fundamental duty for all people and the necessary response to God’s self-revelation. The only channel through which God’s blessings may be received, and the only means by which life may be made meaningful, in relationship with God.

The call to faith

In the OT Ps 37:3-5 See also Pr 3:5-6; Isa 26:4; Isa 50:10

In the NT Jn 6:28-29 See also Mk 1:15; Ac 16:30-31; Ac 19:4; Ac 20:21; Ro 1:5; 1Jn 3:23

God’s self-revelation leaves no excuse for unbelief

Jn 14:8-11; Ro 10:17-18 See also Ps 19:4; Jn 1:10-12; Ro 1:18-21; Ro 3:1-4; Ps 51:4; Ro 16:25-27

The need for faith in God

The Lord is the only true God Hab 2:18-20 See also Ps 115:2-11

God alone can be trusted absolutely Ps 9:10 See also Ps 91:1-4; Isa 12:2; Na 1:7

Faith in God is the basis for peace Isa 26:3 See also Ps 42:11; Jn 14:1; Ro 15:13; 2Pe 1:1-2

Faith is necessary to receive God’s blessing Heb 11:6 See also Ps 40:4; Jer 17:7-8; Jn 5:24

Faith is necessary to avoid God’s judgment Jn 3:36 See also Jn 3:18; 2Th 2:12; 1Pe 2:6-8; Isa 28:16; Ps 118:22; Isa 8:14

Actions not springing from faith are sinful

Ro 14:23 See also Ro 14:5-8,14

Unbelief challenged

Heb 3:12-18; Ps 95:7-8 comparison with the Israelites in the wilderness; Isa 7:9 Ahaz, king of Judah; Jer 17:5-6 the people of Judah; Mk 16:14 Jesus Christ’s disciples after the resurrection

See also