"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb 11:1). Faith is that which stands as great pillars under us, as support in evidence of things not seen. Without this great means of support, it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6).

Mere assent to divine truth is not sufficient in Bible obedience for "thou believeth that there is one God; thou doest well: the Devils also believe and tremble" (Jas 2:19). Besides a belief in the existence of God, we must believe that he rewards only those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6). "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of your selves: it is the gift of God" (Eph 2:8). Sinful man did nothing in the way of helping God save man from sin but it was his grace (unmerited favor) extended time, given unto man that through faith in his works we might be saved from our sills. It is the girt of God, to man.

It was necessary for God to raise up Christ from the dead "Who by him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory that your faith and hope might be in God" (1 Pet 1:21).

How is Christ related to Faith? "Looking unto Christ the author and finisher of our faith" (Heb 12:2). Paul tells us just what the basis of faith is. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by thc word of Cod" (Rom 10:17).

The Hebrew writer tells us just what relation faith bears to knowledge, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God" (Heb 11:3). Genuine faith is actuated by this principle, "In Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything nor uncircumcision; but faith that worketh by love" (Gal 5:6). In verse 22, we find faith is a fruit, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." Hence, faith is a fruit of the spirit.

The early church showed a living faith by "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love" (1 Thes 1:3).

In order for the preaching of the Gospel to be profitable it must be mixed with faith, "For unto us was the Gospel preached, as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it" (Heb 4:2).

Any act of service not performed in faith is sin. "What so ever is not of faith is sin." (Rom 14:23).

Obedience and Faith are inseparable. This is shown plainly in Abraham's experience "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whether he went" (Heb 11:8).

The faith of Jesus is shown in this: "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Rev 14:12).

"But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" (Jas 2:20).

Now in verse 22: "Seest thou how faith wrought with works, and by works was faith made perfect?" Faith by this means, is brought to perfection.

Faith being put to a test results in this: "The trying of your faith worketh patience" (Jas 1:3).

Faith establishes a relationship with God. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:26). We being the children of God, must "walk by faith and not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7).

The ultimate purpose of faith is: "Receiving the end of your faith even the salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:8-9).