Faith in the One we Know
What does it really mean to have faith?
Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” But biblical faith isn’t believing without evidence. It is trusting God because of what He has revealed about Himself.
Peter said he and the other apostles were not following “cunningly devised fables.” John testified that they had heard, seen, and handled the Word of life. Thomas was told to believe because he had seen the risen Christ. And Jesus said there is a blessing for those who have not seen, yet believe.
In today’s episode, we examine what Scripture teaches about genuine faith—and why our faith can be firmly anchored in Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways
- Biblical faith in Jesus is not about believing without evidence, but rather trusting God because of what He has revealed about Himself throughout Scripture.
- Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, grounding our spiritual confidence in God's proven character.
- The apostles, including Peter and John, testified to foundational truths they physically heard, saw, and handled regarding the Word of life.
- Thomas required physical proof of the risen Christ, yet Jesus emphasized a profound blessing for those who have not seen and yet choose to believe.
- Cultivating genuine biblical faith in Jesus anchors our daily walk against distractions and doubts, transforming how we live out God's grace.
Faith is essential to the Christian life, but Scripture never presents faith as irrational or disconnected from truth.
Peter specifically rejected the idea that the apostles were following fabricated stories. He said they were eyewitnesses of Christ’s majesty.
John made the same point. He spoke of what he had personally heard, seen, and touched. His purpose was that others might share in fellowship with him—and ultimately with the Father and the Son.
The Christian faith rests upon the revelation of God through Jesus Christ.
Jesus told Thomas that those who believe without seeing Him physically are blessed. That doesn’t mean Christians believe without reason. It means we trust the testimony God has provided and place our confidence in Christ even though we do not presently see Him with our physical eyes.
And Hebrews reminds us that faith is necessary to please God.
Our faith therefore has an object: Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.
John 6:69 gives us the heart of today’s message: “We believe and are sure.”
Christian faith is not merely saying, “I hope this is true.”
It is saying, “I believe, and I am sure, because I know whom I have believed.”
Application Questions
1. What is the foundation of your faith?
2. Are you trusting Jesus Christ—or simply trusting your religious traditions?
3. Do you understand the difference between biblical faith and blind belief?
4. What evidence has God provided that strengthens your confidence in Christ?
5. Are you living each day as someone who truly believes and is sure that Jesus is the Christ?
6. Does your faith produce confidence, obedience, and a desire to know Christ more deeply?
Short Prayer
Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to have genuine biblical faith—not faith based on feelings or traditions, but faith grounded in Your truth. Help us to believe and be sure that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Strengthen our faith when we cannot see, and help us live confidently in the truth You have revealed. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Key Verse — KJV
John 6:69
“And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is biblical faith in Jesus according to Scripture?
Biblical faith in Jesus is trusting God based on His self-revelation and historical evidence, rather than blindly believing without any foundation.
How does Hebrews 11:1 define faith?
Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.
What did Jesus say about those who believe without seeing?
Jesus pronounced a special blessing on those who have not physically seen Him yet still place their faith in Him.
