Is God's definition of faith "The substance of things hoped for"?

Question

Is that the official Christian definition?

Because the dictionary says belief without proof...and since Christians so boldly claim they HAVE proof in the Bible, this cannot possibly be the Biblical definition, right?

But it is the only definition offered by the Bible for faith...and when you really, really think about it...it doesn't really mean anything.

The substance = material, existence, essence

of things - "things" = God?

hoped for = wished to be true.

So the Biblical definition (if you agree that's what this is) means "I hope God exists, my hope has substance, therefore God exists" = Faith.

Complete nonsense.

SO...What is the Christian definition for "FAITH"?

What is the official meaning of this word as accepted by the Christian community, since 'without proof' isn't something that Christians seem to accept as true of their 'faith'.

Answer 1

Obviously they don't care much for faith, otherwise they wouldn't be talking about proof, philosophy, science, etc.

Answer 2

faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1, KJV



Faith is not mere human hope. Faith is based on the Word of God alone. Human hope may be based on the sands of wishful thinking or human desire, rather than on the rock of the Word of God. Doubt and hope raise the question, "What shall I do?" Faith says, "I have done!" The common phrase, "I am hoping and praying" is incorrect. "I have prayed and am believing" is more scriptural.



Faith is not hope. Faith is the means by which we receive those things we hope for. Neither is faith sight. Faith is the evidence of things not seen. Faith can only operate in the realm of the invisible concerning those things we hope for and do not yet see. Faith cannot exist in the visible realm. When the things we hope for are manifested to our sight, then faith, the invisible "substance," having done its work, is supplanted by the visible substance, that is, the things we hope for. When the actuality comes into view, then the image (faith) vanishes. (Hobart E. Freeman, Faith, p. 4).

Biblical faith is an absolute requirement for answered prayer. The writer of Hebrews states,





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 11:6, KJV).

Answer 3

Definition of FAITH



1a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions





2a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust





3: something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs



http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+16:25-27&version=NKJV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11:1-3&version=NKJV

Answer 4

God has not offered the incontrovertible proof that atheists demand. Christians believe in him despite this fact. That is faith.

Answer 5

"The dictonary says: belief without proof..."



Which dictionary?



"Faith is evidence of things not seen..." That is the definition of faith in the Bible.

Answer 6

Not because you refuse to see proof for the existence of GOD



Doesn't mean others don't have proof, either personal or open, for the Existence of GOD

Answer 7

no that's just something someone made up after the fact.. faith is not the substance of anything. its a lack of substantive justification for belief. hope is hope. it is an emotion based justifcation for anticipating a desirable outcome.

Answer 8

Basically they are saying something is real simply because you hope it is real.