Introduction

Faith is the key issue to development and Salvation. The Faith Chapter in Hebrews demonstrates that Faith is key from the commencement of the identification of the Holy People from Adam to Noah and from Shem to the selection of the nation of Israel as the inheritance of Christ (Deut. 32:8) as the Elohim of Israel (cf. The Plan of Salvation (No. 001A)).

As we saw through the prophets that all their works are done through or by faith. So what is faith? It can be described as:

1. Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

2. Strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof.

Wikipedia states:

Faith, derived from Latin fides and Old French feid, is confidence or trust in a person, thing, or concept. In the context of religion, one can define faith as "belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion". Religious people often think of faith as confidence based on a perceived degree of warrant, while others who are more sceptical of religion tend to think of faith as simply belief without evidence.

However we need to search what the Bible tells us of Faith.

So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ (Rom. 10:17).

We may be chided for lack of faith.

Matthew 17:18-20 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. ¹⁹Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" ²⁰He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you."

(Mat. 6:30; 8:26; 16:8; Lk. 12:28; Mar. 4:40).

Or we may be praised for having faith:

Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.

(cf. also Lk. 7:9)

The Importance of Faith

Hebrews 11:1-40 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. ²For by it the men of old received divine approval. ³By faith we understand that the world was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made out of things which do not appear. ⁴By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he received approval as righteous, God bearing witness by accepting his gifts; he died, but through his faith he is still speaking. ⁵By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was attested as having pleased God. ⁶And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. ⁷By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, took heed and constructed an ark for the saving of his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which comes by faith. ⁸By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was to go. ⁹By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. ¹⁰For he looked forward to the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. ¹¹By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. ¹²Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. ¹³These all died in faith, not having received what was promised, but having seen it and greeted it from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. ¹⁴For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. ¹⁵If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. ¹⁶But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. ¹⁷By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, ¹⁸of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your descendants be named." ¹⁹He considered that God was able to raise men even from the dead; hence, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. ²⁰By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. ²¹By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. ²²By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his burial. ²³By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful; and they were not afraid of the king's edict. ²⁴By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, ²⁵choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. ²⁶He considered abuse suffered for the Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he looked to the reward. ²⁷By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king; for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. ²⁸By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the first-born might not touch them. ²⁹By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as if on dry land; but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. ³⁰By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. ³¹By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given friendly welcome to the spies. ³²And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-- ³³who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. ³⁵Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. ³⁶Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. ³⁷They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated-- ³⁸of whom the world was not worthy--wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. ³⁹And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised,⁴⁰since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Faith in the Old Testament

A breach of faith is caused by transgression of the Law (cf. 1Jn. 3:4), which is sin, being a breach of the Covenant between God and His People, the Body of Christ as the Nation of Israel (cf. The Covenant of God (No. 152).

Here are a number of examples to that effect.

Lev: 5:15 "If any one commits a breach of faith and sins unwittingly in any of the holy things of the LORD, he shall bring, as his guilt offering to the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, valued by you in shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; it is a guilt offering.

All of these sacrifices pointed to Christ and were fulfilled in Christ, but they all relate to transgression of the Law.

Lev. 6:2 "If any one sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbour in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbour

Num. 5:6 "Say to the people of Israel, When a man or woman commits any of the sins that men commit by breaking faith with the LORD, and that person is guilty,

Deut. 32:51 because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meri-bath-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because you did not revere me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel.

Jos. 7:1 But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things; for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things; and the anger of the LORD burned against the people of Israel.

Breach of Faith in the service of God is a sin and falls upon the whole people.

Jos. 22:20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah break faith in the matter of the devoted things, and wrath fell upon all the congregation of Israel? And he did not perish alone for his iniquity.'"

Jos. 22:22 "The Mighty One, God, the LORD! The Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows; and let Israel itself know! If it was in rebellion or in breach of faith toward the LORD, spare us not today

So also the appointment of leadership is to be by Good Faith and in all honesty.

Jdg. 9:15 And the bramble said to the trees, 'If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.'

Jdg. 9:16 "Now therefore, if you acted in good faith and honour when you made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done to him as his deeds deserved—

This is indicating faith and honour in dealings.

Jdg. 9:19 if you then have acted in good faith and honour with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you;

Ezr. 10:2 And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, of the sons of Elam, addressed Ezra: "We have broken faith with our God and have married foreign women from the peoples of the land, but even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this.

Faith and Trust

Faith involves trust that God will perform His part in the Covenant and the protection of the Holy People.

Job. 39:12 Do you have faith in him that he will return, and bring your grain to your threshing floor?

Psa. 78:22 because they had no faith in God, and did not trust his saving power.

Thus it is a matter of a combination of faith in God and trust to deal and save the nations.

Psa. 106:24 Then they despised the pleasant land, having no faith in his promise.

Psa. 116:10 I kept my faith, even when I said, "I am greatly afflicted";

The fact that you are afflicted does not negate any covenant you made or any undertaking you made.

Psa. 146:6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith for ever;

Thus there is no end or limit to the faith of God.

Isa. 26:2 Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps faith may enter in.

This is to the city of God.

Hab. 2:4 Behold, he whose soul is not upright in him shall fail, but the righteous shall live by his faith.

Faithful

Faithful involves being of Good Faith and the Covenant can only work if both God and His people are of such Good Faith in all their dealings. This is the principle of Uberima Fides and applies to all His Commandments.

Deut. 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

Keeping the Commandments of God is essential to the retention of the covenant and the faith.

Jdg. 5:15 the princes of Issachar came with Deborah, and Issachar faithful to Barak; into the valley they rushed forth at his heels. Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.

1Sa. 2:9 "He will guard the feet of his faithful ones; but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness; for not by might shall a man prevail.

1Sa. 2:35 And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind; and I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever.

1Sa. 22:14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, "And who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and captain over your bodyguard, and honoured in your house?

2Sa. 20:19 I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel; you seek to destroy a city which is a mother in Israel; why will you swallow up the heritage of the LORD?"

2Ch. 31:18 The priests were enrolled with all their little children, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, the whole multitude; for they were faithful in keeping themselves holy.

2Ch. 31:20 Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah; and he did what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God.

Neh. 7:2 I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many.

The Faithful are the Righteous.

In Hebrew, Justice and Righteousness are the same word Tzedek. God had made a promise to give the Holy Land to Israel as the descendants of Abraham. Lot was allotted the areas of Moab and Ammon across the Jordan East of Cannan.

Neh. 9:8 and thou didst find his heart faithful before thee, and didst make with him the covenant to give to his descendants the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Jebusite, and the Girgashite; and thou hast fulfilled thy promise, for thou art righteous.

Retention of trust is essential to the faith.

Neh. 13:13 And I appointed as treasurers over the storehouses Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, and as their assistant Hanan the son of Zaccur, son of Mattaniah, for they were counted faithful; and their duty was to distribute to their brethren.

Faithfully, as in Individual Conduct

Jos. 2:14 And the men said to her, "Our life for yours! If you do not tell this business of ours, then we will deal kindly and faithfully with you when the LORD gives us the land."

1Sa. 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him faithfully with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you.

2Ch. 31:12 And they faithfully brought in the contributions, the tithes and the dedicated things. The chief officer in charge of them was Conaniah the Levite, with Shime-i his brother as second;

2Ch. 31:15 Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah were faithfully assisting him in the cities of the priests, to distribute the portions to their brethren, old and young alike, by divisions,

2Ch. 34:12 And the men did the work faithfully. Over them were set Jahath and Obadiah the Levites, of the sons of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to have oversight. The Levites, all who were skilful with instruments of music,

Neh. 9:33 Yet thou hast been just in all that has come upon us, for thou hast dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly;

Pro. 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

Thus the Ninth Commandment is central to the faith also, as one of the Commandments of God, all of which have to be obeyed.

Isa. 42:3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.

These are the attributes of the Christ and so also should they be of those who emulate him.

Isa. 61:8 For I the LORD love justice, I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

So the Commandments and the Law are tied into the Covenant.

Jer. 23:28 Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? says the LORD.

Links to Faith in Hebrews

In relation to Hebrews chapter 11 the following Scriptures apply.

Gen 4:4 and Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, (Heb. 11:4)

Gen. 5:24 Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. (Heb. 11:5)

Gen 6:13-18 And God said to Noah, "I have determined to make an end of all flesh; for the earth is filled with violence through them; behold, I will destroy them with the earth. ¹⁴Make yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch. ¹⁵This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark three hundred cubits, its breadth fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. ¹⁶Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above; and set the door of the ark in its side; make it with lower, second, and third decks. ¹⁷For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall die. ¹⁸But I will establish my covenant with you; and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you.

(Heb. 11:7)

Noah’s faith was tested and he obeyed and he and his family were saved in spite of all the ridicule to which he was subject.

The priesthood of the nations and of Melchisedek was vested in Shem (cf. Melchisedek (No. 128) cf. also Commentary on Hebrews (F058)).

In like manner, Abraham, descendant of Shem, was selected and called to be tested by God to come out of Haran and commence the line to Israel and the Messiah.

(cf. Sons of Shem (No. 212A); Descendants of Abraham: Part II: Lot Moab, Ammon and Esau (212B); Descendants of Abraham Part III: Ishmael (No. 212C); Descendants of Abraham Part III: Sons of Keturah (No. 212D)).

All of these and other nations will be grafted into Israel under Messiah in the Last Days and it is important to understand that.

Gen. 12:1-4 Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. ²And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. ³I will bless those who bless you, and him who curses you I will curse; and by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves." ⁴So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. (Heb.11:8)

Gen. 18:11-14 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. ¹²So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?" ¹³The LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, and say, 'Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?' ¹⁴Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, in the spring, and Sarah shall have a son." (Heb.11:11)

Gen. 22:2-3 He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." ³So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac; and he cut the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. (Heb. 11:17)

This required an extreme test of faith.

Heb. 11:20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.

Gen. 27:33-40 Then Isaac trembled violently, and said, "Who was it then that hunted game and brought it to me, and I ate it all before you came, and I have blessed him?--yes, and he shall be blessed." ³⁴When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, "Bless me, even me also, O my father!" ³⁵But he said, "Your brother came with guile, and he has taken away your blessing." ³⁶Esau said, "Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright; and behold, now he has taken away my blessing." Then he said, "Have you not reserved a blessing for me?" ³⁷Isaac answered Esau, "Behold, I have made him your lord, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants, and with grain and wine I have sustained him. What then can I do for you, my son?" ³⁸Esau said to his father, "Have you but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father." And Esau lifted up his voice and wept. ³⁹Then Isaac his father answered him: "Behold, away from the fatness of the earth shall your dwelling be, and away from the dew of heaven on high. ⁴⁰By your sword you shall live, and you shall serve your brother; but when you break loose you shall break his yoke from your neck." (Heb 11:20)

Here below we see the blessing imparted in Israel by faith and obedience to Ephraim and Manasseh with Ephraim as the core tribe, as a company of nations taking the blessings of Isaac (Gen. 25:11), for the calling of the Gentiles which is the broader and Spiritual Israel. In this promise lies the key to the Church of God (cf. Descendants of Abraham Part VI: Israel (No. 212F)).

Gen 48:10-22 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him; and he kissed them and embraced them. ¹¹And Israel said to Joseph, "I had not thought to see your face; and lo, God has let me see your children also." ¹²Then Joseph removed them from his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. ¹³And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near him. ¹⁴And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it upon the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand upon the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands, for Manasseh was the first-born. ¹⁵And he blessed Joseph, and said, "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has led me all my life long to this day, ¹⁶the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and in them let my name be perpetuated, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth." ¹⁷When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; and he took his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. ¹⁸And Joseph said to his father, "Not so, my father; for this one is the first-born; put your right hand upon his head." ¹⁹But his father refused, and said, "I know, my son, I know; he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; nevertheless his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations." ²⁰So he blessed them that day, saying, "By you Israel will pronounce blessings, saying, 'God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh'"; and thus he put Ephraim before Manasseh. ²¹Then Israel said to Joseph, "Behold, I am about to die, but God will be with you, and will bring you again to the land of your fathers. ²²Moreover I have given to you rather than to your brothers one mountain slope which I took from the hand of the Amorites with my sword and with my bow" (Heb. 11:21).

Gen.50:24-25 And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die; but God will visit you, and bring you up out of this land to the land which he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." ²⁵Then Joseph took an oath of the sons of Israel, saying, "God will visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here." (Heb.11:22)

Here we see the instrument of the liberation of Israel after they had been expanded into a nation in Egypt.

Ex. 2:2 The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. (Heb. 11:23)

Ex. 3:6 – 14:21 covers the whole story of Moses’ being called out of Midian, the plagues of Egypt and up to the crossing of the Red sea. (Heb 11:24-29).

See also the paper Moses and the Gods of Egypt (No. 105) .

The beginning of the calling of the Gentiles had begun in Egypt also with the formation of the Mixed Multitude that was to cross the Red Sea in the entire Host and as such symbolised the baptism of Israel and the Gentiles into the Body of Christ. The Irish Historians record the Milesians with Neil of the Black Sea Scythians, the mercenary soldiers fighting on the Nile, and Scota, princess of Egypt and the Ahmosid Hittite dynasty, and Godel Glas, their son, the ancestors of the Gadelians came out with them and recorded their ancestry from this point. These were the R1b clans (cf. The Sons of Japheth (No. 046C)). The Mixed Multitude was also comprised of E3B Egyptian and E1a (North Africans) and then went on to absorb the E3b Canaanites (cf. Sons of Ham (No. 045)) beginning from here at Jericho (cf. also Descendants of Abraham Part V: Judah (No. 212E)). From the Exodus, Salvation was of the Gentiles and as part of the Nation of Israel which was then to be bound to the Messiah of Judah, who was a descendant of the gentile Rahab saved here, by faith, at Jericho and married into Judah. She was an ancestor of David and thus also of the Messiah, the star or Elohim that came from Israel (cf. Num. 24:17).

Jericho was delivered into the hands of Israel through Faith, which was symbolised by the Ark of the Covenant. It is no longer needed and was thus hidden by Jeremiah. The Ark is no longer needed as the Church is the Ark of the Covenant in the Temple of God (cf. Ark of the Covenant (No. 196)).

Jos. 6:2-16 And the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have given into your hand Jericho, with its king and mighty men of valor. ³You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. ⁴And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark; and on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, the priests blowing the trumpets. ⁵And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, as soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up every man straight before him." ⁶So Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, "Take up the Ark of the Covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD." ⁷And he said to the people, "Go forward; march around the city, and let the armed men pass on before the ark of the LORD." ⁸And as Joshua had commanded the people, the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the LORD went forward, blowing the trumpets, with the ark of the covenant of the LORD following them. ⁹And the armed men went before the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard came after the ark, while the trumpets blew continually. ¹⁰But Joshua commanded the people, "You shall not shout or let your voice be heard, neither shall any word go out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then you shall shout." ¹¹So he caused the ark of the LORD to compass the city, going about it once; and they came into the camp, and spent the night in the camp. ¹²Then Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD. ¹³And the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD passed on, blowing the trumpets continually; and the armed men went before them, and the rear guard came after the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets blew continually. ¹⁴And the second day they marched around the city once, and returned into the camp. So they did for six days. ¹⁵On the seventh day they rose early at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times: it was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times. ¹⁶And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, "Shout; for the LORD has given you the city. (Heb. 11:30)

Jos. 6:17 And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the LORD for destruction; only Rahab the harlot and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers that we sent. (Heb 11:31).

Also Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. (Heb. 11:40).

So faith was critical to the elect in the Kingdom of God under the Patriarchs and Prophets and then was established as the basis of the Church of God under Messiah and the Apostles in the NT Church right up until the return of Messiah in the Last Days and onwards into the millennial system and the Second Resurrection (No. 143B). Thus the plan was laid out in the OT but was not understood except through the Patriarchs and Prophets until Messiah and the Church.

The function of Faith in the Safety of Israel is given in the examples of the Judges. Whenever Israel sinned and especially in idolatry they were sent into captivity until they repented and turned to God under a new leader. An example of the symbols of the deliverance by God as a restoration due to faith is seen in the Gideon example when God reduced the numbers so that it would be seen as an obvious miracle. That is an example to carry over into the Last Days over the next few years until the coming of the Messiah.

Gideon, Jdg. 6:11 – 8:35; Gideon’s Force and the Last Days (No. 022).

Out of this we see the development of the Gideon’s Prayer which was for reassurance or confirmation of a mission which was sought in faith. So also we see the role of Barak in Judges 4:6-4:23; he served under Deborah as prophetess and judge in Israel.

The example of Samson is critical to the understanding of the function of the Holy Spirit as it was used in Samson. The symbol of the hair as his strength is symbolic of the Holy Spirit (No. 117) and freedom from sin in faith (Samson and the Judges (No. 73)).

So also was Jephthah symbolic of faith under the judges. (Jdg. 11.1–12:7)

Another great example was of Saul who was weak in the faith and was replaced by David (cf. Rule of the Kings Part I: Saul (No. 282A)). David, who through faith conquered kingdoms, was symbolic of the Israel of God without the sanctity that enabled the proper construction of the House of God (Rule of the Kings Part II: David (No. 282B)). David’s son Solomon was permitted to build the Temple as a symbol of the Messiah who through perfect faith and without sin would build the Church of God and enable the Holy Spirit to come upon mankind. This was symbolic of the greater task ahead of the nation under the Messiah and the change of objective that was to occur. Man was to become Elohim (cf. Elect as Elohim (No. 001) and Rule of the Kings Part III: Solomon and the Key of David (No. 282C); Rule of the Kings Part IIIB: Man as the Temple of God (No. 282D)).

Samuel and the prophets

Samuel was rejected and the people wanted a king over them. Thus they rejected God and were given Saul as king as we saw above. God still spoke to them through Samuel who was still a prophet in Israel and he anointed David as king. The prophets still continued to operate in Israel and do so even now under the church and have done so continually since the Apostles and do so through the operation of the Holy Spirit and the faith of the brethren.

One of the greatest examples can be seen in the book of 1Kings. It was precursor to the understanding of the Resurrections. The first example was of the fact that we are assured our bread and water shall be sure (Isa. 33:16).

Women received their dead by resurrection.

The first example was from the prophet Elijah. Elishah took over from Elijah when he was taken by God to be brought forward in time to the Last Days as one of the Witnesses (No. 135) as we are told in Malachi 4:5 (cf. Wars of the End Part II:1260 Days of the Witnesses (No. 141D)).

1Ki. 17:13 And Elijah said to her, "Fear not; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make for yourself and your son. ¹⁴For thus says the LORD the God of Israel, 'The jar of meal shall not be spent, and the cruse of oil shall not fail, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.'" ¹⁵And she went and did as Elijah said; and she, and he, and her household ate for many days. ¹⁶The jar of meal was not spent, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD which he spoke by Elijah. ¹⁷After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill; and his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. ¹⁸And she said to Elijah, "What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to cause the death of my son!" ¹⁹And he said to her, "Give me your son." And he took him from her bosom, and carried him up into the upper chamber, where he lodged, and laid him upon his own bed. ²⁰And he cried to the LORD, "O LORD my God, hast thou brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son?" ²¹Then he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried to the LORD, "O LORD my God, let this child's soul come into him again." ²²And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. ²³And Elijah took the child, and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house, and delivered him to his mother; and Elijah said, "See, your son lives." ²⁴And the woman said to Elijah, "Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth."

So also a great example of the faith under captivity is given for us as guidance under all tribulation and under captivity and persecution. This was done through the prophet Daniel. The first chapter deals with the sons of Israel under the captivity and includes their testing under idolatry and also their faith in keeping the Food Laws also (Food Laws (No. 015).

Daniel: Commentary on Daniel Chapter 1 (No. F027i)

So also we are given examples of testing under duress and ensuring our faith stands out as an example to the gentiles. Here we see the test of idolatry and the fiery furnace for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and they were rescued and served as an example to Nebuchadnezzar who was the First Empire of the Head of Gold. We are about to go into the last Empire of Ten Toes of the NWO and we will be also tested in these days (cf. Commentary on Daniel Chapter 2 (F027ii); Commentary on Daniel Chapter 3 (No. F027iii)).

So also we saw that the leaders of the Nations and regions in the Empire were jealous of the favour that the captives had and that Daniel was placed over them and they sought to destroy him and use the law of the pagans against him in idolatry. He was cast into the lion’s den and the idolaters who entrapped Daniel were themselves cast into the lion’s den and their entire families were cast in with them and they were eaten as they themselves had tried to kill Daniel. This punishment will be applied again rigorously in the last days to the Witnesses and the elect. Commentary on Daniel Chapter 6 (No. F027vi) (see also Commentary on Daniel (F027xii, xiii)).

Faith in the Gospels and NT

Luke 18:8 I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

As we move into the trials and persecution of the last days, our faith will be sorely tried. We will need to rely on each other, support, encourage and exhort each other, and most importantly we need to understand our reliance on God. While He may allow us to be strongly tested, we know that He will never forsake us (Heb. 13:5). Our place of safety is in His Hand.

The Place of Safety (No. 194); and Safety in the Hand of God (No. 194B).

Jesus Christ gave us the strongest example of faith a person can have. He died on the stake in complete faith that God would raise him again (Mat. 27:63; Mk. 8:31, 9:31, 10:34; Lk. 24:7; Jn. 17:5, 11).

The miracles of Christ and later, the Apostles, also serve to teach us the power of faith.

Matthew 21:19-22 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside he went to it, and found nothing on it but leaves only. And he said to it, "May no fruit ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once. ²⁰When the disciples saw it they marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree wither at once?" ²¹And Jesus answered them, "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and never doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will be done. ²²And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." (cf. Mk. 11:21-23 and Cursing the Fig Tree (No. 090))

Christ also said: "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father (John14:12).

Miracles

Christ had absolute confidence that his requests to God would be honoured through Faith.

Water into Wine: Jn. 2:1-11

Calming the Sea: Mat.8:23-27; Mk.4:35-41; Lk. 8:22-25.

Feeding the 5,000: Mat. 14:13-21; Mk. 6:30-44; Lk. 9:10-17; Jn. 6:1-15.

Walking on Water: Mk. 6:45-52; Jn. 6:16-21.

Feeding the 4,000: Mat: 15:32-39; Mk. 8:1-10;

Withering of the Fig Tree: Mat.21:18-22; Mk. 11:12-14, 19-26;

Healing by Christ

Healing requires the faith of the individual or the person requesting the healing in conjunction with the faith of the healer. Many were healed, both of illness and of demon possession, by Christ but some were more specifically noted. Many incidences of healing also involved forgiveness of sins.

Matt. 14:34-36; Mk. 6:53-56 show the faith of multitudes that, just by touching the hem of Jesus’ garments, were healed through faith. Multitudes were healed: Mat. 15:29-31;

Peter’s Mother-in-law was healed: Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:29-34; Luke 4:38-41. (Peter was called Simon in Mark and Luke).

Leper healed: Matt.8:1-4; Mk.1:40-45; Lk. 5:12-16.

Centurion’s servant healed: Mat.8:5-13; Lk.7:1-9.

Son of the Widow of Nain healed: Lk. 7:11-15.

Nobleman’s son healed: Jn. 4:46-54.

Two demon possessed men healed: Mat. 8:28-34; Mk.5:1-20; Lk. 8:26-39.

Jairus’ daughter healed: Mat. 9:18-19, 23-24; Mk.5:21-24, 35-42; Lk. 8:40-42, 49-56.

A Woman with flow of blood healed: Mat.9:20-22; Mk. 5:25-34; Lk. 8:43-48;

Two blind men: Mat. 9:27-31; 20:29-34.

A mute man: Mat. 9:32-33

The lame man at the Pool of Bethesda: Jn. 5:1-15;

Gentiles also believed: Mat. 15:21-28; Mk. 7:24-30.

Deaf-mute: Mk.7:31-37.

Blind man at Bethsaida: Mk. 8:22-26.

Woman with an infirmity: Lk. 13:10-13.

Also healings at Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-42;

Christ healed ten lepers but only one (a Samaritan) returned to give glory to God (Lk. 17:11-17).

Matthew 17:14-20 shows the importance of having faith in the power of the Holy Spirit.

¹⁴And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and kneeling before him said, ¹⁵"Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. ¹⁶And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him." ¹⁷And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." ¹⁸And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. ¹⁹Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" ²⁰He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you."

See also Luke 9:37-45, and Mark 9:14-32 where Christ told the disciples that some demons could only be removed through prayer and fasting.

Admonitions from Christ

Mk. 11:22 And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God.

Lk. 17:5-6 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" ⁶And the Lord said, "If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, 'Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

Lk. 18:8 I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Lk. 22:32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren."

Christ gave his disciples the authority to heal and have power over the demons: Mk. 6:7-12; Lk. 9:1-6.

The Apostles by works and examples and teachings show the importance of Faith

Acts 3:16; 6:5, 7; 11:24; 13:8; 14:9, 22, 27; 15:9; 16:5; 20:21; 24:24; 26:18; 27:25. (cf. Commentary on Acts (F044).

Romans 1:5, 8, 12, 16-17; 3:22, 3:25-28, 30-31; 4:5, 9, 11-14, 16, 19, 20, 22; 5:1; 9:30, 32; 10:4, 6, 8; 11:20; 12:3, 6; 14:1, 22-23; 16:26. (Commentary on Romans (F045).

1Corinthians 2:5; 12:9; 13:2, 13; 15:14, 17; 16:13. (Commentary on 1Corinthians (F046)).

2Corinthians 1:24; 4:13; 5:7; 8:7; 10:15; 13:5. (Commentary on 2 Corinthians (F047)).

Galatians 1:23; 2:16, 20 (Commentary on Galatians (F048)).

Look especially at Galatians Chapter 3.

Galatians 3:1-29 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? ² Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? ³ Are you so foolish? Having begun with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? ⁴ Did you experience so many things in vain?--if it really is in vain. ⁵ Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? ⁶ Thus Abraham "believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." ⁷ So you see that it is men of faith who are the sons of Abraham. ⁸ And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed." ⁹ So then, those who are men of faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith. ¹⁰ For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, and do them." ¹¹ Now it is evident that no man is justified before God by the law; for "He who through faith is righteous shall live"; ¹² but the law does not rest on faith, for "He who does them shall live by them." ¹³ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us--for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree"-- ¹⁴ that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. ¹⁵ To give a human example, brethren: no one annuls even a man's will, or adds to it, once it has been ratified. ¹⁶ Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, "And to offsprings," referring to many; but, referring to one, "And to your offspring," which is Christ. ¹⁷ This is what I mean: the law, which came four hundred and thirty years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. ¹⁸ For if the inheritance is by the law, it is no longer by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise. ¹⁹ Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made; and it was ordained by angels through an intermediary. ²⁰ Now an intermediary implies more than one; but God is one. ²¹ Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not; for if a law had been given which could make alive, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. ²² But the scripture consigned all things to sin, that what was promised to faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. ²³ Now before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. ²⁴ So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. ²⁵ But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; ²⁶ for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. ²⁷ For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

(Commentary on Galatians (No. F048) and also The Works of the Law – or MMT (No. 104)).

Gal. 5:5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness.

Gal. 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love.

Gal. 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Eph. 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God.

Eph.3:12 in whom we have boldness and confidence of access through our faith in him.

Eph. 3:17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

Eph. 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Eph. 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

Eph. 6:16 besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one.

Eph. 6:23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Phil. 1:25 Convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,

Phil. 1:27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

Phil. 2:17 Even if I am to be poured as a libation upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Phil. 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith;

This ties the whole centrality of the faith as emanating from God and towards God through Christ and that Christ is not a co-equal or co-eternal God.

Paul’s comments show us that we are not sure of what Resurrection we are to find ourselves but it is through faith that we work by faith to attain the First Resurrection (No. 143A) of Revelation 20 (F066v) rather than the Second Resurrection (No. 143B). This is the ex-anastasin or out-resurrection (Phil. 3:11) which occurs at the return of Messiah and where we become Spirit beings as Elohim.

(cf. Commentary on Philippians (F050)).

1Th. 1:3, 8; 3:2, 5-7; 3:10; 5:8.

(cf. Commentary on 1Thessalonians (F052))

2Th. 1:3, 4, 11; 3:2.

(cf. Commentary on 2Thessalonians (F053)).

1Ti. 1:2, 4, 5 ,14,19 ; 2:7, 15; 3:9, 13; 4:1, 6, 12; 5:8; 6:10-12, 21.

(cf. Commentary on 1Timothy (F054)).

2Ti. 1:5, 13; 2:18, 22 ; 3:8, 10,15; 4:7.

(cf. Commentary on 2Ti. (F055))

Tit. 1:13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

(cf. Commentary on Titus (F056))

Heb. 4:2; 6:1, 12; 10:22, 38-39; 12:2; 13:7.

(cf. Commentary on Hebrews (F058)).

Jas. 1:3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Jas. 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

James also has important teachings concerning respect of persons in the faith.

Jas. 2:1My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

Jas. 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren. Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to those who love him?

Jas. 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him?

Jas. 2:17 So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.

Jas. 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.

Jas. 2:20 Do you want to be shown, you shallow man, that faith apart from works is barren?

Jas. 2:22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by works,

Jas. 2:24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

Jas. 2:26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.

Jas. 5:15 and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

(cf. Commentary on James (F059)).

1Pe. 1:5 who by God's power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

It is that last time where we are now.

1Pe. 1:7 so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1Pe. 1:9 As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls.

1Pe. 1:21 Through him you have confidence in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

1Pe. 5:9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world.

(cf. Commentary on 1Peter (F060)).

2Pe. 1:1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours in the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ:

2Pe. 1:5 For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,

(cf. Commentary on 2Peter (F061)).

1Jn. 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.

(cf. Commentary on 1John (F062)).

Jud. 1:3 Beloved, being very eager to write to you of our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Jud. 1:20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit;

(cf. Commentary on Jude (F065)).

Christ’s warning to the churches

Rev 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Rev. 2:13 "'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is; you hold fast my name and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

Rev. 2:19 "'I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.

This is talking about the Thyatiran era.

Rev. 13:10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if any one slays with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

Rev. 14:12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Rev. 17:14 they will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."

(cf. Commentary on Revelation (F066) and see also The Role of the Fourth Commandment in the Historical Sabbath-keeping Churches of God (No. 170)).

Christ’s praise of the Faithful

Mat. 24:45 "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?

Mat. 25:21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.'

Mat. 25:23 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.'

(cf. Commentary on Matthew (F040i)).

Lk. 12:42 And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?

This refers to all of the elect given their appointed tasks and duties.

Lk. 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.

Lk. 16:11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches?

Lk. 16:12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?

Lk. 19:17 And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.'

(cf. Commentary on Luke (F042)).

Exhortations of the apostles

Act 16:15 And when she was baptized, with her household, she besought us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us.

(cf. Commentary on Acts (F044iv))

1Cor. 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1Cor. 4:17 Therefore I sent to you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.

1Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

(cf. Commentary on 1 Corinthians (F046)).

2Cor 1:18: As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No.

(cf. Commentary on 2 Corinthians (F047)).

Eph. 6:21: Now that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything.

(cf. Commentary on Ephesians (F049)).

1Th. 5:24 He who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

(cf. Commentary on 1Thessalonians (F052)).

2Th. 3:3: But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from evil.

(cf. Commentary on 2Thessalonians (F053)).

1Ti. 1:12 I thank him who has given me strength for this, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service,

1Ti. 3:11 The women likewise must be serious, no slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things.

(cf. Commentary on 1Timothy (F054)).

2Ti. 2:2 and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2Ti. 2:13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful--for he cannot deny himself.

(cf. Commentary on 2Timothy (F055)).

Heb. 2:17 Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people.

Heb. 3:2 He was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in God's house.

Heb. 3:5 Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later,

Heb. 3:6 but Christ was faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if we hold fast our confidence and pride in our hope.

Heb. 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful;

(cf. Commentary on Hebrews (F058)).

1Pe. 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will do right and entrust their souls to a faithful Creator.

1Pe. 5:12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God; stand fast in it.

(cf. Commentary on 1Peter (F060)).

1Jn. 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(cf. Commentary on 1John (F062)).

Rev. 1:5: and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood

Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

(cf. Commentary on Revelation (F066)).

Faithfulness

Rom. 3:3: What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?

(cf. Commentary on Romans (F045)).

Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

(cf. Commentary on Galatians (F048)).

Further Reading

The Works of the Law – or MMT (No. 104)

We Are Not Saved by Good Works (No. 189)

Appendix

Compiled by Tom Schardt

FAITH

A Word Study in the Old Testament and New Testament

Old Testament

SHD: 529

529. ¢mûn: A masculine noun meaning trustworthiness, faithfulness, or dependability. It is used to signify the rare and beneficial quality of trustworthiness in an individual (Prov 13:17; 14:5; 20:6); the character of a righteous nation (Isa 26:2); and in a negative sense, a fundamental lack of dependability or faithfulness (Deut 32:20).

SHD: 530

530. mûn¹h: A noun meaning truth, faithfulness. It is used to describe God's character and His actions in Deut 32:4. The psalmists often use this word in their praise of the Lord and His faithfulness (Ps 33:4; 100:5; 119:90). When people are faithful, good comes their way (2 Chron 19:9; Prov 12:22; 28:20). The word ‎°®mûn¹h ‎is also used with righteousness to describe the character (Prov 12:17; Isa 59:4; Jer 5:1).

Ex. 17:12; Deut. 32:4; 1 Sam. 26:23; 2 Kgs. 12:15(16); 22:7; 1 Chr. 9:22,26,31; 2 Chr. 19:9; 31:12,15,18; 34:12; Ps. 33:4; 36:5(6); 37:3; 40:10(11); 88:11(12); 89:1(2),2(3),5(6),8(9),24(25),33(34),49(50); 92:2(3); 96:13; 98:3; 100:5; 119:30,75,86,90,138; 143:1; Prov. 12:17,22; 28:20; Isa. 11:5; 25:1; 33:6; 59:4; Jer. 5:1,3; 7:28; 9:3(2); Lam. 3:23; Hos. 2:20(22); Hab. 2:4.

SHD: 539

539. °¹man: A verb meaning to be firm, to build up, to support, to nurture, or to establish. The primary meaning is that of providing stability and confidence, like a baby would find in the arms of a parent. It is used to signify support of a pillar (2 Kings 18:16); nurture and nourishment (Num 11:12; Ruth 4:16; thus, a nurse, 2 Sam 4:4); cradling in one's arms (Isa 60:4); a house firmly founded (1 Sam 2:35; 25:28); a secure nail that finds a solid place to grip (Isa 22:23); a lasting permanence (Ps 89:28[29]; with negative particle, Jer 15:18). Metaphorically, the word conveys the notion of faithfulness and trustworthiness, such that one could fully depend on (Deut 7:9; Job 12:20; Ps 19:7[8]; Isa 55:3; Mic 7:5). Therefore, the word can also signify certitude or assurance (Deut 28:66; Job 24:22; Hos 5:9) and belief, in the sense of receiving something as true and sure (Gen 15:6; Ex 4:5; 2 Chron 20:20; Ps 78:22; Isa 53:1; Jonah 3:5).

Gen. 15:6; 42:20; 45:26; Ex. 4:1,5,8,9,31; 14:31; 19:9; Num. 11:12; 12:7; 14:11; 20:12; Deut. 1:32; 7:9; 9:23; 28:59,66; Judg. 11:20; Ruth 4:16; 1 Sam. 2:35; 3:20; 22:14; 25:28; 27:12; 2 Sam. 4:4; 7:16; 20:19; 1 Kgs. 8:26; 10:7; 11:38; 2 Kgs. 10:1,5; 17:14; 18:16(see ‎°œm®n¹h ‎[547]); 1 Chr. 17:23,24; 2 Chr. 1:9; 6:17; 9:6; 20:20; 32:15; Neh. 9:8; 13:13; Esth. 2:7; Job 4:18; 9:16; 12:20; 15:15,22,31; 24:22; 29:24; 39:12,24; Ps. 12:1(2); 19:7(8); 27:13; 31:23(24); 78:8,22,32,37; 89:28(29),37(38); 93:5; 101:6; 106:12,24; 111:7; 116:10; 119:66; Prov. 11:13; 14:15; 25:13; 26:25; 27:6; Isa. 1:21,26; 7:9; 8:2; 22:23,25; 28:16; 33:16; 43:10; 49:7,23; 53:1; 55:3; 60:4; Jer. 12:6; 15:18; 40:14; 42:5; Lam. 4:5,12; Hos. 5:9; 11:12(12:1); Jon. 3:5; Mic. 7:5; Hab. 1:5.

SHD: 540

540. man: An Aramaic verb meaning to trust in, to put one's faith in someone or something. This verb occurs only three times in the Hebrew Bible. In Dan 6:23(24), it states that Daniel trusted in his God. In the other occurrences, the verb is in the form of a passive participle and functions as an adjective meaning trustworthy or faithful: the interpretation of the king's dream is trustworthy (Dan 2:45); and Daniel is described as a faithful man without negligence or corruption (Dan 6:4[5]). Dan. 2:45; 6:4(5),23(24).

SHD: 571

571. emet - A feminine noun meaning truth, faithfulness. It is frequently connected with lovingkindness (Prov 3:3; Hos 4:1) and occasionally with other terms such as peace (2 Kings 20:19); righteousness (Isa 48:1); and justice (Ps 111:7). To walk in truth is to conduct oneself according to God's holy standards (1 Kings 2:4; 3:6; Ps 86:11; Isa 38:3). Truth was the barometer for measuring both one's word (1 Kings 22:16; Dan 11:2) and actions (Gen 24:49; Josh 2:14). Accordingly, God's words (Ps 119:160; Dan 10:21) and actions (Neh 9:33) are characterized by this Hebrew term also. Indeed, God is the only God of truth (Ex 34:6; 2 Chron 15:3; Ps 31:5[6]).

Gen. 24:27,48,49; 32:10(11); 42:16; 47:29; Ex. 18:21; 34:6; Deut. 13:14(15); 17:4; 22:20; Josh. 2:12,14; 24:14; Judg. 9:15,16,19; 1 Sam. 12:24; 2 Sam. 2:6; 7:28; 15:20; 1 Kgs. 2:4; 3:6; 10:6; 17:24; 22:16; 2 Kgs. 20:3,19; 2 Chr. 9:5; 15:3; 18:15; 31:20; 32:1; Neh. 7:2; 9:13,33; Esth. 9:30; Ps. 15:2; 19:9(10); 25:5,10; 26:3; 30:9(10); 31:5(6); 40:10(11),11(12); 43:3; 45:4(5); 51:6(8); 54:5(7); 57:3(4),10(11); 61:7(8); 69:13(14); 71:22; 85:10(11),11(12); 86:11,15; 89:14(15); 91:4; 108:4(5); 111:7,8; 115:1; 117:2; 119:43,142,151,160; 132:11; 138:2; 145:18; 146:6; Prov. 3:3; 8:7; 11:18; 12:19; 14:22,25; 16:6; 20:28; 22:21; 23:23; 29:14; Eccl. 12:10; Isa. 10:20; 16:5; 38:3,18,19; 39:8; 42:3; 43:9; 48:1; 59:14,15; 61:8; Jer. 2:21; 4:2; 9:5(4); 10:10; 14:13; 23:28; 26:15; 28:9; 32:41; 33:6; 42:5; Ezek. 18:8,9; Dan. 8:12,26; 9:13; 10:1,21; 11:2; Hos. 4:1; Mic. 7:20; Zech. 7:9; 8:3,8,16,19; Mal. 2:6.

SHD: 3559

3559. kun: A verb meaning to set up, to make firm, to establish, to prepare. The primary action of this verb is to cause to stand in an upright position, and thus the word also means fixed or steadfast. It signifies the action of setting in place or erecting an object (Isa 40:20; Mic 4:1); establishing a royal dynasty (2 Sam 7:13; 1 Chron 17:12); founding a city (Hab 2:12); creating the natural order (Deut 32:6; Ps 8:3[4]; Prov 8:27); fashioning a people for oneself (2 Sam 7:24); adjusting weapons for targets (Ps 7:12[13]; 11:2); appointing to an office (Josh 4:4); confirming a position (1 Kings 2:12); making ready or preparing for use (2 Chron 31:11; Ps 103:19; Zeph 1:7); attaining certainty (Deut 13:14[15]; 1 Sam 23:23).

Gen. 41:32; 43:16,25; Ex. 8:26(22); 15:17; 16:5; 19:11,15; 23:20; 34:2; Num. 21:27; 23:1,29; Deut. 13:14(15); 17:4; 19:3; 32:6; Josh. 1:11; 3:17; 4:3,4; 8:4; Judg. 12:6; 16:26,29; 1 Sam. 7:3; 13:13; 20:31; 23:22,23; 26:4; 2 Sam. 5:12; 7:12,13,16,24,26; 1 Kgs. 2:12,24,45,46; 5:18(32); 6:19; 1 Chr. 9:32; 12:39; 14:2; 15:1,3,12; 16:30; 17:11,12,14,24; 22:3,5,10,14; 28:2,7; 29:2,3,16,18,19; 2 Chr. 1:4; 2:7(6),9(8); 3:1; 8:16; 12:1,14; 17:5; 19:3; 20:33; 26:14; 27:6; 29:19,35,36; 30:19; 31:11; 35:4,6,10,14-16,20; Ezra 3:3; 7:10; Neh. 8:10; Esth. 6:4; 7:10; Job 8:8; 11:13; 12:5; 15:23,35; 18:12; 21:8; 27:16,17; 28:27; 29:7; 31:15; 38:41; 42:7,8; Ps. 5:9(10); 7:9(10),12(13),13(14); 8:3(4); 9:7(8); 10:17; 11:2; 21:12(13); 24:2; 37:23; 38:17(18); 40:2(3); 48:8(9); 51:10(12); 57:6(7),7(8); 59:4(5); 65:6(7),9(10); 68:9(10),10(11); 74:16; 78:8,20,37; 87:5; 89:2(3),4(5),21(22),37(38); 90:17; 93:1,2; 96:10; 99:4; 101:7; 102:28(29); 103:19; 107:36; 108:1(2); 112:7; 119:5,73,90,133; 140:11(12); 141:2; 147:8; Prov. 3:19; 4:18,26; 6:8; 8:27; 12:3,19; 16:3,9,12; 19:29; 20:18; 21:29(NIV, [‎K®‎] ‎biyn ‎[995])31; 22:18; 24:3,27; 25:5; 29:14; 30:25; Isa. 2:2; 9:7(6); 14:21; 16:5; 30:33; 40:20; 45:18; 51:13; 54:14; 62:7; Jer. 10:12,23; 30:20; 33:2; 46:14; 51:12,15; Ezek. 4:3,7; 7:14; 16:7; 28:13; 38:7; 40:43; Hos. 6:3; Amos 4:12; Mic. 4:1; Nah. 2:3(4),5(6); Hab. 2:12; Zeph. 1:7; Zech. 5:11.

SHD: 6461

6461: pasas - A verb meaning to disappear, to vanish. It means to vanish, to cease to be present. It depicts what happens to the righteous when the wicked are in control (Ps 12:1[2]).

New Testament

SGD: 572

572. a(plo/th haplót¢s; gen. ‎haplót¢tœs‎, fem. noun from ‎haplóos ‎contracted ‎haploús ‎(573), single, not having an ulterior or double motive. Simplicity, purity, sincerity, faithfulness, plenitude (Rom 12:8; Sept.: 2 Sam 15:11; Prov 19:1). In the NT used only in a moral sense as the opposite of duplicity meaning sincerity, faithfulness toward others, manifest in helpfulness and giving assistance to others. Equivalent to being faithful and benevolent. Although in some portions (2 Cor 8:2; 9:11,13) translated liberality or bountifulness, it is not exactly so. It is rather faithful benevolence out of proper motivation. Eph 6:5, "in singleness of your heart" means in sincerity; Col 3:22; Sept.: 1 Chron 29:17. In 2 Cor 11:3, "the simplicity that is in Christ" means frankness, integrity, fidelity.

Syn.: ‎aphelót¢s ‎(858), simplicity, singleness; ‎eulogía ‎(2129), a blessing, indicating abundance; ‎cháris ‎(5485), grace, with the meaning of bounty; ‎hadrót¢s ‎(100), fatness, indicating abundance; ‎perisseía ‎(4050), an exceeding measure; ‎huperbol¢¡ ‎(5236), beyond measure.

Ant.: ‎apát¢ ‎(539), deceit or deceitfulness; ‎dólos ‎(1388), guile; ‎plán¢ ‎(4106), error, wandering, deceit; ‎panourgía ‎(3834), craftiness.

SGD: 3640

3640. oligópistos; gen. ‎oligopístou‎, masc.-fem., neut. ‎oligópistos‎, adj. from ‎olígos ‎(3641), little, and ‎pístis ‎(4102), faith. Having but little faith (Matt 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8; Luke 12:28).

SGD: 4102

4102. pístis; gen. ‎písteœs‎, fem. noun from ‎peíthœ ‎(3982), to win over, persuade. Faith. Subjectively meaning firm persuasion, conviction, belief in the truth, veracity, reality or faithfulness (though rare). Objectively meaning that which is believed, doctrine, the received articles of faith.

(I) In the common Gr. usage:

(A) Particularly and generally (Acts 17:31, having given to all the ability to believe [cf. Rom 3:23ff.]).

(B) In Rom 14:22, "hast thou faith" means persuasion about what God wants you to do (see Rom 14:23).

(C) In Heb 11:1, "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" means that persuasion is not the outcome of imagination but is based on fact, such as the reality of the resurrection of Christ (1 Cor 15), and as such it becomes the basis of realistic hope.

(D) In 2 Cor 5:7, "for we walk by faith, not by sight" means that which appears before us may not be what it seems to be, while faith is something which stands on proof arrived at inductively. See also 1 Peter 1:5, which means that faith obtains the future entrance into salvation, safe existence which will be provided by God at the end of the present season (cf. 1 Peter 1:7,9).

(E) Followed by the gen. of object (1 Thess 2:13, meaning the gospel truth).

(II) Good faith, faithfulness, sincerity (Matt 23:23; Rom 3:3; Gal 5:22; 1 Tim 1:19, being faithful, sincere; 2:7; 2 Tim 2:22; 3:10; Titus 2:10, all good fidelity; Rev 2:19; 13:10; Sept.: 1 Sam 26:23; Prov 12:22; Hab 2:4).

(III) Faith given as a pledge, promise (2 Tim 4:7, where the faith possessed by the Apostle Paul in Christ was considered by him as a deposit made by God in him [cf. 1 Tim 6:21; 2 Tim 1:12,14]).

(IV) As a technical term indicative of the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man, resulting in the transformation of man's character and way of life. Such can be termed gospel or Christian faith (Rom 3:22ff.).

(A) Of God, indicated as faith in, on, toward God, with adjuncts: ‎epí ‎(1909), on, with the acc. (Heb 6:1); ‎prós ‎(4314), toward, with the acc. preceded by the art. (1 Thess 1:8); ‎eis ‎(1519), in, with the acc. (1 Peter 1:21); with the gen. ‎Theoú ‎(‎theós ‎[2316], God), of God, meaning the faith emanating from God (Mark 11:22; Col 2:12). Used in an absolute sense (Matt 17:20; 21:21; Luke 17:5,6 [cf. Mark 11:22; Heb 4:2; 10:22,38]); with ‎ek ‎(1537), from, and the gen., ‎ek písteœs ‎(Rom 1:17, in allusion to Hab 2:4 where the Sept. has "fidelity [rather, faith in Christ]"); ‎en pístei ‎(‎en ‎[1722], in, and the dat.), in faith, meaning in filial confidence, nothing doubting (James 1:6); ‎h¢ euch¢¡ písteœs ‎(‎h¢‎, def. art.; ‎euch¢¡ ‎[2171], vow), to wish, vow of faith, meaning expression of a wish but with trust in the Lord to accomplish His will (James 5:15). Spoken analogically of the faith of the patriarchs and pious men under the Jewish dispensation who looked forward in faith and hope to the blessings of the gospel (cf. Gal 3:7f.; Heb 11:13); of Abraham (Rom 4:5,9,11-14,16,19,20; Heb 6:12).

(B) Of Christ, faith in Christ: (1) As able to work miracles, to heal the sick (Matt 8:10; 9:2,22,29; 15:28; Mark 2:5; 5:34; 10:52; Luke 5:20; 7:9,50; 8:48; 17:19; 18:42; Acts 3:16). (2) Of faith in Christ's death, as the ground of justification before God, saving faith, found only in Paul's writings (Rom 3:22,25-28,30,31; 1 Cor 15:14,17). Generally (Rom 1:17; 5:1,2; 9:30,32; 10:6,17; Gal 2:16,20; 3:2,5,7-9,11,12,14,22,24; 5:5,6; Eph 2:8; 3:12; Phil 3:9. Of the faith of Abraham (see A above). Some interpreters take ‎eis pístin ‎of Rom 1:17 by metonymy as referring to those believing (‎eis toús pisteúontas ‎[cf. Rom 3:22]). (3) Generally, as the Son of God, the incarnate Word, the Messiah and Savior, the Head of the true Church; with ‎eis‎, unto (Acts 20:21; 26:18); with ‎en‎, in, and the dat., ‎en Christœ¡‎, in Christ (Gal 3:26; Col 1:4; 1 Tim 1:14; 3:13; 2 Tim 1:13; 3:15); with the gen. (Eph 4:13; James 2:1; Rev 2:13, thy faith toward Me; 14:12). Used in an absolute sense (Mark 4:40; Luke 8:25; 22:32; Acts 6:5,8; 11:24; Eph 3:17; 6:16; Col 2:7 [cf. 2:5]; 1 Thess 5:8).

(C) Generally, with the gen., ‎h¢ pístis toú euaggelíou ‎(‎euaggelíou‎, gen. of ‎euaggélion ‎[2098], gospel), the faith of or in the gospel, gospel faith (Phil 1:27); ‎en pístei al¢theías ‎(‎en ‎[1722], in; the dat. of ‎pístis‎; and the gen. of ‎al¢¡theia ‎[225], truth), meaning faith in the truth, i.e., in the gospel (1 Thess 2:13). Used in an absolute sense with the same meaning, namely, Christian faith, a firm and confiding belief in Jesus and His gospel (1 Cor 2:5; 2 Cor 4:13; Phil 1:25; 2:17; 1 Thess 1:3; 1 Tim 1:5; 6:11,12; 2 Tim 1:5; 2:18; Titus 1:1; Philem 6; Heb 12:2; James 2:5; 1 Peter 5:9). Elsewhere also, ‎pístis ‎seems to mark various predominant traits of Christian character as arising from and combined with Christian faith, without implying, however, any sharp distinction; meaning Christian knowledge, especially in Paul and Peter (Rom 12:3,6; 14:1; 1 Cor 12:9; 13:2,13; Titus 1:13; 2 Peter 1:5). In James, ‎pístis ‎as opposed to ‎érga ‎(2041), works (James 2:14,17,18,20,22,24,26). Of the Christian profession, the faith professed (Acts 13:8; 14:22; 15:9; 16:5; 1 Cor 16:13; 2 Cor 1:24; Gal 6:10; 1 Tim 2:15; 2 Tim 4:7 [cf. above in Section I, C]). Of Christian zeal, ardor in the faith (Rom 1:8; 11:20; 2 Cor 8:7; 10:15; 13:5; Eph 6:23; 2 Thess 1:4,11). Of Christian love, as springing from faith (Rom 1:12, mutual faith and love; 1 Thess 1:3; Philem 5). Of Christian life and morals, practical faith (1 Tim 4:12; 5:8,12; 6:10; Titus 2:2). Of constancy in the faith (Col 1:23; 1 Thess 3:2,5-7,10; Heb 13:7; James 1:3).

(D) Metonymically of the object of Christian faith, meaning the doctrines received and believed, Christian doctrine, the gospel, all that Christianity stands for (Acts 6:7, "were obedient to the faith," meaning embraced the gospel; 14:27, a "door of faith," meaning access for the gospel; 24:24; Rom 1:5; 10:8; 2 Cor 1:24; Gal 1:23; 3:23,25; Eph 4:5; 1 Tim 1:4,19; 3:9; 6:21; 2 Peter 1:1; 1 John 5:4; Jude 3,20). With ‎en‎, in, and the dat., ‎en pístei‎, meaning in the gospel as Christians (1 Tim 1:2; Titus 1:4).

(E) Especially, the object of justifying faith, that on which a sinner, believing the gospel, relies for acceptance with God, namely Christ, as having fulfilled all righteousness (Rom 4:5).

(V) In Rom 3:3, Paul asks rhetorically, "Their unfaithfulness will not nullify [‎katarg¢âsei‎, fut. act. indic. of ‎katargéœ ‎{2673}, to nullify, destroy, render ineffective] the faithfulness [‎pístis‎] of God, will it?" (a.t.). Here ‎pístis ‎likely means faithfulness, although a few interpreters understand "the faith of God" to mean the principle of faith in God.

Deriv.: ‎oligópistos ‎(3640), having but little faith; ‎pisteúœ ‎(4100), to believe, have faith in; ‎pistikós ‎(4101), persuasive, faithful.

Syn.: ‎bebaíœsis ‎(951), the act of assurance, confirmation; ‎pepoíth¢sis ‎(4016), reliance, confidence; ‎dógma ‎(1378), dogma, ecclesiastical belief firmly held; ‎t¢¡r¢sis ‎(5084), observance, keeping; ‎eusébeia ‎(2150), godliness; ‎theosébeia ‎(2317), piety, respect, reverence of God; ‎didach¢¡ ‎(1322), teaching; ‎didaskalía ‎(1319), teaching, doctrine; ‎eulábeia ‎(2124), inner piety; ‎al¢¡theia ‎(225), truth.

Ant.: ‎súgchusis ‎(4799), confusion; ‎parako¢¡ ‎(3876), disobedience; ‎parábasis ‎(3847), violation; ‎apistía ‎(570), unbelief, faithlessness; ‎asébeia ‎(763), ungodliness, lack of piety; ‎apostasía ‎(646), apostasy, departure from the truth; ‎haíresis ‎(139), heresy, discord in doctrine; ‎blasph¢mía ‎(988), blasphemy, vilification against God; ‎hupókrisis ‎(5272), acting, hypocrisy; ‎pseúdos ‎(5579), falsehood; ‎dólos ‎(1388), guile, deceit.

SGD 4103

4103. pistós; fem. ‎pist¢¡‎, neut. ‎pistón‎, adj. from ‎peíthœ ‎(3982), to win over, persuade. Worthy of belief, trust, or confidence.

(I) Trustworthy (1 Cor 7:25; 1 Tim 1:12; 2 Tim 2:2; 1 Peter 4:19; Rev 19:11; Sept.: 1 Sam 3:20; Prov 20:6). True, sure, trustworthy, believable, worthy of credit (Rev 1:5; 2:13; 3:14; Sept.: Ps 89:38; Prov 14:5; Isa 8:2). Of things, true, sure, such as ‎ho lógos ‎(‎ho‎, def. art.; ‎lógos ‎[3056], word), the word (1 Tim 1:15; 3:1; 4:3; 2 Tim 2:11; Titus 1:9; 3:8; Rev 21:5; 22:6). In Acts 13:34, ‎tá hósia Dabíd tá pistá ‎(‎tá‎, neut. def. art.; ‎hósia‎, neut. pl. of ‎hósios ‎[3741], sacred; ‎Dabíd ‎[1138], of David), the sure, inviolable, sacred things (promises, blessings) of David, the sure ones.

(II) Faithful in duty to oneself and to others, of true fidelity (Col 4:9; 1 Peter 5:12, a faithful brother; Rev 2:10). Of God as faithful to His promises (1 Cor 1:9, "dependable the God" [a.t.]; 10:13; 1 Thess 5:24; 2 Thess 3:3; Heb 10:23; 11:11; 1 John 1:9; Sept.: Deut 32:4); of Christ (2 Tim 2:13). As an attestation or oath, God is faithful (2 Cor 1:18). Especially of servants, ministers, who are faithful in the performance of duty (Matt 24:45; 25:21,23; Luke 12:42; 1 Cor 4:2; Eph 6:21; Col 1:7,9; 4:7; Heb 2:17). With ‎epí ‎(1909), upon, with, followed by the dat. pl. of ‎olígos ‎(3641), a little, ‎ep' olíga‎, with little things (Matt 25:21,23); with ‎en ‎(1722), in, followed by the acc. (Luke 16:10-12; 19:17; Eph 1:1; Col 1:2; 1 Tim 3:11; Heb 3:5); by the dat. of person (Heb 3:2; Sept.: Num 12:7; 1 Sam 22:14).

(III) With an act. sense, firmness in faith, confiding, trusting, believing, equivalent to ‎ho pisteúœn‎, the pres. part. of ‎pisteúœ ‎(4100), to believe (John 20:27; Gal 3:9). Followed by the dat. (Acts 16:15; 1 Cor 4:17). Used in an absolute sense (Acts 10:45; 16:1; 2 Cor 6:15; 1 Tim 4:3,10,12; 5:16; 6:2; Titus 1:6; Rev 17:14). Used in the acc. as an adv., ‎pistón poiéœ ‎(‎poiéœ ‎[4160], to do, perform), meaning to do faithfully, in a believing manner, as a Christian (3 John 5; Sept.: Ps 101:6).

Deriv.: ‎ápistos ‎(571), untrustworthy; ‎pistóœ ‎(4104), to confirm, establish.

Syn.: ‎áxios ‎(514), worthy; ‎bébaios ‎(949), steadfast, sure; ‎al¢th¢¡s ‎(227), true; ‎al¢thinós ‎(228), truthful; ‎ámemptos ‎(273), blameless; ‎anepíl¢ptos ‎(423), irreproachable; ‎eilikrin¢¡s ‎(1506), sincere; ‎apseud¢¡s ‎(893), veracious; ‎aklin¢¡s ‎(186), firm, without wavering; ‎ametamél¢tos ‎(278), irrevocable; ‎ametakín¢tos ‎(277), unmovable.

Ant.: ‎ád¢los ‎(82), uncertain; ‎ast¢¡riktos ‎(793), unstable; ‎ápistos ‎(571), unfaithful, untrustworthy; ‎oligópistos ‎(3640), little faith; ‎parabát¢s ‎(3848), ‎pseud¢¡s ‎(5571), false; ‎dólios ‎(1386), deceitful; ‎plános ‎(4108), seducing.

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Appendix