As followers of Christ, we seek to trust and grow in our relationship with him, even though we have never physically seen him. This is what faith looks like! In this guide, we explore the role of faith in our Christian walk and its impact on all areas of life.
All Scripture is written in NIV unless otherwise noted.
What Is Faith in the Bible?
Faith is talked about throughout the Bible. In fact, in the New Testament, faith is mentioned over 200 times!
There are many reasons faith is so important for us. For example, salvation requires us to have faith in Jesus. And in many of Jesus’ miracles, faith played a role in miraculous healing.
Before we dive deeper into Scripture, here are some answers to commonly asked questions about faith.
What is faith according to the Bible? Faith, as described in Hebrews 11:1 (NIV), is "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” It signifies trust and belief in God and his promises, even though we can’t physically see God or how he’s working.
How can I grow my faith? Romans 10:17 (NIV) suggests that faith comes from hearing the message of Jesus. Regularly engaging with God's Word, prayer and fellowship with other believers can help grow your faith.
Can faith really move mountains? Matthew 17:20 (NIV) says that if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains. Faith unlocks the powerful potential for us to overcome great obstacles.
Can faith heal sickness? James 5:15 (NIV) says that prayer offered in faith will make a person who is sick well. This means that faith, combined with prayer, can lead to divine healing and restoration.
10 Bible Verses About Faith: The Role of Faith in Salvation
We can’t earn salvation. Instead, salvation is a gift God gives us through faith in Jesus. Read these Bible verses about faith to discover how it’s a foundational element of God’s grace and salvation.
1. Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.
2. Romans 10:9
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
3. Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
4. 1 John 5:13
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
5. Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
6. John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
7. Romans 10:10
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
8. Acts 16:31
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household.”
9. John 1:12
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
10. Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Examples of Faith in the Bible
The Bible is full of people who trusted God in the face of the impossible. Their stories remind us that through faith in Jesus, there is healing, hope and strength to persevere.
1. Mark 10:52
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
2. Hebrews 11:11
And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.
3. Luke 8:50
Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”
4. Romans 4:20–21
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
5. Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
6. Matthew 15:28
Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
7. 2 Timothy 4:7–8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Faith in the Life of the Believer
The Bible guides us in understanding that faith is more than just belief — it’s active trust and reliance on God throughout each day.
1. 2 Corinthians 5:7
For we live by faith, not by sight.
2. Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. James 1:3
Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
4. 1 Peter 1:8–9
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
5. 1 Timothy 6:11
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
6. Psalm 119:30
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.
7. 1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
8. Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
9. Hebrews 12:2
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
10. James 2:14–17
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Faith Expressed Through Prayer
Prayer is an expression of our faith and trust in our Heavenly Father. When we pray, we show our faith in who he is and that we believe in his promises.
1. Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
2. James 1:6
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
3. Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
4. Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
