Introduction to Faith Studies

Vol 1 - No 1, January 1, 2004:

Introduction:

Greetings to all! After a great deal of study on the subject of faith in the Bible it is now time to reduce to writing some of what has been observed. My goal is to send out over the internet a short article every week. This study is based on the inerrancy of the Bible as being the actual Word of God, as originally written by the various authors as inspired by the Holy Spirit. The translation used in this study is the King James Version. We begin with the premise, and this study is based upon the following passages of scripture:

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." Isaiah 40:88 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:16 & 1716 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

(Note, the phrase "The just shall live by faith" is first found in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk 2:44 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

and then is quoted three times in the New Testament; 1) here in Romans 1:1717 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

; 2) Galations 3:11; 3) Hebrews 10:3838 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

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"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:66 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:1717 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Since the just shall live by faith, and without faith it is impossible to please God, and faith by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, it behooves us to understand faith in the Bible. This series of articles is dedicated to an increased understanding of that faith.

It is hoped that what comes through in this series of articles will stimulate thinking about faith and how it applies to us.