Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God . . . Hebrews 11:1-2 NKJV

Faith is now (in the present tense); it is substance; and, it is evidence. The evidence upon which we base our faith is not in the facts we see, but in the truth of God’s Word (Heb. 11:1; Rom. 10:17). Faith is the “title deed” that provides access to all the riches in the kingdom of God, and the key that that unlocks the doors of the kingdom.

Bible faith is always placed in a person not an outcome (Mark 11:22; 2 Tim. 1:12).  Faith is not believing something; it is believing someone, i.e., Jesus Christ. You cannot exercise faith to manipulate circumstances to bring about a preferred outcome or get God to do what you want. Faith is trusting God no matter the outcome—trusting God to meet your need no matter how little your faith may be. It is obedience to act on God’s Word, i.e., the present-tense voice of God (Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:8-10). For example, by faith in Jesus’ Word, Peter walked on water (Matthew 14:25-31). Never believe the enemy’s lie that you don’t have enough faith because faith was given to you from God and is placed in God. Again, faith is focused on God not an outcome.  Could we ever have enough faith to buy, exchange, or trade for God’s favor? No.  Faith is a gift from God given by grace and God always give us what you need (Rom. 12:3; Eph. 4:7).

God has given us faith. He has put faith on deposit in us to respond to every circumstance that arises in our life.  God didn’t make a mistake and not give you enough faith (Rom. 12:3).  Faith operates the same way for daily living as it did when you received Jesus as Savior and Lord (Col. 2:6). The focus was God then and it is still on God now for daily living by faith (Matt. 6:11). We weren’t saved by works and, ergo, do not live by works. We live by faith (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38). God’s blessings and favor are free, unearned and undeserved. We cannot earn them or buy them. Faith is responding to the grace of God (Eph. 2:8). Self-efforts and works cancels out faith (it is opposite of faith; see Romans 4:4-6). Remember the man born lame that was healed at the Gate beautiful in Acts chapter 3. His healing is an example of faith obtained by grace in response to God’s grace (Acts 3:16).  As Paul testified to the Elders at Ephesus in Acts 20:21, not only is repentance toward God but faith is also toward our Lord Jesus!