“FAITH” AS SEEN IN THE SCRIPTURES
Christians at the beginning of the present dispensation, before they were ever called “Christians” (Acts 11:26), were known simply as those “of this way” (c.f. Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). In each instance the word “way” is preceded by the definite article, and the expression could be better translated “the way.”
Acts 11:26
26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
KJV
Acts 9:2
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
KJV
Acts 19:9, 23
9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
KJV
Those believing the message proclaimed on the day of Pentecost and following were singled out through the use of this expression. They were believing Jews who followed a way different from that being followed by the remainder of the nation (which was looked upon by Israel’s religious leaders as a heretical way [Acts 24:14]), and the expression was later used within Gentile circles as well, though by Jews (Acts 19:9).
Acts 24:14
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
KJV
The origin of this expression is rooted in believing the message being proclaimed to Israel relative to salvation in the first seven chapters of Acts, and this salvation has to do with deliverance in the kingdom, not with the eternal destiny (ref. Chapters 1-5, “Continuing from the Gospels,” “Restoration in the Kingdom,” “Restoration of all Things,” “Acceptance by Many,” and “Rejection by the Nation”).
Those “of the way” had believed the message being proclaimed, and they were seeking, through every means possible, to bring about belief (in the same message) on the part of an entire unbelieving nation, the nation of Israel.
Prior to his conversion, Paul was going about the country seeking to destroy that which he and numerous Jews viewed as a new, heretical Jewish sect by doing away with those “of the way”; and, on his journey from Jerusalem to Damascus, he had his eyes opened to the truth rejected by Israel. As a result, he became a follower “of the way” and subsequently exhibited the same urgency and zeal towards proclaiming “the way” as he previously exhibited towards trying to destroy “the way.”
Years later, writing to the Christians in Galatia, Paul described the message which he had sought to destroy by using the expression, “the way” (Gal. 1:23).
Gal 1:23
23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
KJV
And not only did Paul use the expression writing to the Churches in Galatia (to refer to the message surrounding the King and the proffered Kingdom, the message described simply as “the way”), but he used it numerous times throughout his ministry, referring to the same message (e.g. Acts 14:22; Rom. 1:5, 8; Eph. 1:15; Phil. 1:27; Col. 1:23; 1 Tim. 6:12, 21; 11 Tim. 3:8; 4:7 [“faith,” in each reference, is articular in the Greek text]). Please take note of the following passages and read them within this context.
Acts 14:22
22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
KJV
Rom 1:5, 8
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
KJV
Eph 1:15
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
KJV
Phil 1:27
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
KJV
Col 1:23
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
KJV
1 Tim 6:12, 21
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
KJV
2 Tim 3:8
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
KJV
2 Tim 4:7
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
KJV
Luke (writing Acts) used it the same way relative to events prior to Paul’s conversion (Acts 6:7).
Acts 6:7
7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
KJV
It was used the same way by those writing the other epistles (e.g. Heb. 12:2; James 2:14; 1 Pet. 5:9; 1 John 5:4 [also Rev. 2:13]; Jude 3).
Heb 12:2
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
KJV
James 2:14
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
KJV
1 Peter 5:9
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
KJV
1 John 5:4
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
KJV
Rev 2:13
13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Christians at the beginning of the present dispensation, before they were ever called “Christians” (Acts 11:26), were known simply as those “of this way” (c.f. Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). In each instance the word “way” is preceded by the definite article, and the expression could be better translated “the way.”
Acts 11:26
26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
KJV
Acts 9:2
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
KJV
Acts 19:9, 23
9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
KJV
Those believing the message proclaimed on the day of Pentecost and following were singled out through the use of this expression. They were believing Jews who followed a way different from that being followed by the remainder of the nation (which was looked upon by Israel’s religious leaders as a heretical way [Acts 24:14]), and the expression was later used within Gentile circles as well, though by Jews (Acts 19:9).
Acts 24:14
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
KJV
The origin of this expression is rooted in believing the message being proclaimed to Israel relative to salvation in the first seven chapters of Acts, and this salvation has to do with deliverance in the kingdom, not with the eternal destiny (ref. Chapters 1-5, “Continuing from the Gospels,” “Restoration in the Kingdom,” “Restoration of all Things,” “Acceptance by Many,” and “Rejection by the Nation”).
Those “of the way” had believed the message being proclaimed, and they were seeking, through every means possible, to bring about belief (in the same message) on the part of an entire unbelieving nation, the nation of Israel.
Prior to his conversion, Paul was going about the country seeking to destroy that which he and numerous Jews viewed as a new, heretical Jewish sect by doing away with those “of the way”; and, on his journey from Jerusalem to Damascus, he had his eyes opened to the truth rejected by Israel. As a result, he became a follower “of the way” and subsequently exhibited the same urgency and zeal towards proclaiming “the way” as he previously exhibited towards trying to destroy “the way.”
Years later, writing to the Christians in Galatia, Paul described the message which he had sought to destroy by using the expression, “the way” (Gal. 1:23).
Gal 1:23
23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
KJV
And not only did Paul use the expression writing to the Churches in Galatia (to refer to the message surrounding the King and the proffered Kingdom, the message described simply as “the way”), but he used it numerous times throughout his ministry, referring to the same message (e.g. Acts 14:22; Rom. 1:5, 8; Eph. 1:15; Phil. 1:27; Col. 1:23; 1 Tim. 6:12, 21; 11 Tim. 3:8; 4:7 [“faith,” in each reference, is articular in the Greek text]). Please take note of the following passages and read them within this context.
Acts 14:22
22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
KJV
Rom 1:5, 8
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
KJV
Eph 1:15
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
KJV
Phil 1:27
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
KJV
Col 1:23
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
KJV
1 Tim 6:12, 21
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
KJV
2 Tim 3:8
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
KJV
2 Tim 4:7
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
KJV
Luke (writing Acts) used it the same way relative to events prior to Paul’s conversion (Acts 6:7).
Acts 6:7
7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
KJV
It was used the same way by those writing the other epistles (e.g. Heb. 12:2; James 2:14; 1 Pet. 5:9; 1 John 5:4 [also Rev. 2:13]; Jude 3).
Heb 12:2
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
KJV
James 2:14
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
KJV
1 Peter 5:9
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
KJV
1 John 5:4
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
KJV
Rev 2:13
13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Jude 3
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
KJV
Then going back behind both the epistles and the Book of Acts, it was used the same way by Christ during His earthly ministry (Luke 18:8 [“faith,” in each preceding reference, is articular in the Greek text]).
Luke 18:8
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
KJV
In this respect, it can clearly be shown that “the faith” was a commonly used expression, seen throughout the New Testament, to refer to teachings surrounding the proffered kingdom. Those “of the way” in Acts were those who held to “the faith.” Though Paul used the expression “the faith,” extensively throughout his epistles after this fashion, he was far from alone in so doing. Other writers of the Scriptures are also seen using this expression in the same manner Paul used it.
Thus, the expression, “the faith,” refers, not to belief in general (i.e. as often expressed, “all the great Biblical doctrines of the faith [referring to the Virgin Birth, Blood Atonement, etc.],” but belief in particular. This is what the article shows, used to point out something particular, something which would be evident by the context. To say that verses such as 1 Tim. 6:12; 11 Tim. 4:7; or Jude 3 (among many others) refer to holding to that which is looked upon as “all the great Biblical doctrines of the faith” is not only textually wrong but theologically destructive. Let’s take another look at these verses:
1 Tim 6:12
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
KJV
2 Tim 4:7
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
KJV
Jude 3
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
KJV
Is there a possibility then, that many who expects to hear on that day of Judgment, “….I have finished my course and have kept the faith”-did not really keep it and as a result will not hear such words?
Scripture is to be interpreted in light of Scripture, “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:13); and when this is done, going back to the Book of Acts and carrying the matter through into the epistles, it can be clearly demonstrated exactly what the expression “the faith,” refers to.
1 Cor 2:13
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
KJV
To misinterpret and teach contrary to that which Scripture clearly reveals about “the faith” not only obscures that which is taught in one realm but also invariably results in false teachings in anther realm.
Rom 10:17-21
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
KJV
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
KJV
Then going back behind both the epistles and the Book of Acts, it was used the same way by Christ during His earthly ministry (Luke 18:8 [“faith,” in each preceding reference, is articular in the Greek text]).
Luke 18:8
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
KJV
In this respect, it can clearly be shown that “the faith” was a commonly used expression, seen throughout the New Testament, to refer to teachings surrounding the proffered kingdom. Those “of the way” in Acts were those who held to “the faith.” Though Paul used the expression “the faith,” extensively throughout his epistles after this fashion, he was far from alone in so doing. Other writers of the Scriptures are also seen using this expression in the same manner Paul used it.
Thus, the expression, “the faith,” refers, not to belief in general (i.e. as often expressed, “all the great Biblical doctrines of the faith [referring to the Virgin Birth, Blood Atonement, etc.],” but belief in particular. This is what the article shows, used to point out something particular, something which would be evident by the context. To say that verses such as 1 Tim. 6:12; 11 Tim. 4:7; or Jude 3 (among many others) refer to holding to that which is looked upon as “all the great Biblical doctrines of the faith” is not only textually wrong but theologically destructive. Let’s take another look at these verses:
1 Tim 6:12
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
KJV
2 Tim 4:7
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
KJV
Jude 3
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
KJV
Is there a possibility then, that many who expects to hear on that day of Judgment, “….I have finished my course and have kept the faith”-did not really keep it and as a result will not hear such words?
Scripture is to be interpreted in light of Scripture, “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:13); and when this is done, going back to the Book of Acts and carrying the matter through into the epistles, it can be clearly demonstrated exactly what the expression “the faith,” refers to.
1 Cor 2:13
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
KJV
To misinterpret and teach contrary to that which Scripture clearly reveals about “the faith” not only obscures that which is taught in one realm but also invariably results in false teachings in anther realm.
Rom 10:17-21
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
KJV
Hebrews 11 verse one is often used as the definition for "faith", actually it's not a definition in the proper sense of the word. Now that we understand that "faith" is not just a strong "belief" but a "particular belief"; we will see Hebrew 11:1 as a directive or counsel.
Heb 11:1
11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
KJV
"Belief" is not a thing hoped for, the evidence of things not seen - Instead it is: "A confident assureance...." that the promise that God has given will come true. Read the remainder of Hebrews chapter eleven and see if the light isn't much brighter.
Taken mostly form Arlen Chitwood's works with his permision:
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