The Doctrine of Faith

There are two meanings of faith. They are a general meaning and a particular meaning. There is also a meaning of faith in relation to works.

The general meaning of faith is threefold:

1. Knowledge - being aware that God is able to do something.
2. Assent - accepting that God does as a practice what He is able to do and wanting Him to do it.
3. Appropriation - taking hold of what God does for one’s self.

The particular meaning of faith is in connection with God, Jesus, prayer, and the Word of God.

1. Faith in connection with God means believing He exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6; Acts 27:22-25; Romans 4:19-21; Genesis 15:4-6) God honors those who approach Him in prayer. (Acts 10:1,2)
2. Faith in connection with Jesus is the same as the general meaning of faith. Knowledge, assent and appropriation must be applied in order to accept Him as Savior and Lord.
3. Faith in connection with prayer is no hesitation that leans toward unbelief. Faith is freedom from doubt. Doubting is reasoning whether or not a thing can be done. God’s promises on which faith is based must be known. There must be acceptance of those promises and actions based on them.
4. Faith in connection with the Word of God is knowing one is heir to a particular promise, believing God means all He says about that promise and acting on that promise.

Faith in relation to works is acting on what is known (the Word of God) and giving assent to it. (James 2:4-26)