What the Bible Teaches About Living by Faith

Faith is one of the most foundational principles in the Bible and underpins some of the most significant teachings about salvation, justification, and sanctification. For followers of Christ, living by faith is not simply about belief; it is a way of life, a daily commitment to trust, obedience, and perseverance.

But what does it truly mean to live by faith according to Scripture? This listicle breaks it down into core aspects, supported by key biblical teachings and examples, to help you understand how faith shapes a life devoted to God.

Whether you’re seeking to deepen your spiritual walk or longing to grasp what faith means at its essence, this guide will provide clarity and actionable insights.

The Just Shall Live By Faith

The phrase “the just shall live by faith” is a well-known and illuminating verse in the Bible. It is stated four times throughout the Scriptures, in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk 2:4, as well as in the New Testament: Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38 .

This phrase serves as a reminder to believers that our salvation and righteousness are not earned through good works or our own efforts, but rather through faith in God Alone. It teaches us the necessity of trusting in God’s saving power, having unwavering faith in His promises, and loving God with obedient faith.

Faith as Trust in God’s Promises

At its core, faith requires placing unwavering trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances challenge our confidence. The Bible emphasizes this kind of trust repeatedly, reminding us that God is faithful and His word never fails.

Take Abraham, for example. Genesis 15:6 says, “And he believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness.” Abraham’s faith wasn’t built on what he could immediately see but on the promise God made to him—that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.

For modern believers, living by faith involves trusting that God’s promises of salvation and provision are true. No matter the hardships or uncertainties, Scriptures like Proverbs 3:5-6 encourage believers to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Faith requires this kind of radical trust as we surrender to God’s plan in our lives.

Actionable Insight

If you’re struggling with trust, write down a promise from Scripture, such as Romans 8:28, that reminds you of God’s faithfulness. Reflect on it daily to build confidence in God’s unchanging nature.

Faith as Obedience to God’s Commands

Faith is not passive; it demands action. Biblical faith often reveals itself through obedience to God’s commands, even when those commands seem difficult to follow or don’t immediately make sense.

The Bible abounds with stories of individuals whose faith was demonstrated through their obedience. One notable example is Noah. Hebrews 11:7 recounts, “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.” Noah acted on God’s instructions long before any signs of the impending flood were visible.

Faith and obedience go hand in hand. James 2:26 reminds us, “Faith without works is dead.” Living by faith means aligning our actions with God’s will, trusting that His commands are ultimately for our good and His glory, even when they’re challenging to obey.

Actionable Insight

Identify one area in your life where obedience to God could grow stronger—for example, in relationships, giving, or personal habits. Commit to taking one small, specific step of obedience this week.

Faith as Perseverance Through Trials

Life’s challenges and difficulties often test the genuineness of our faith. The Bible portrays faith as the strength to persevere, trusting in God even when trials feel overwhelming.

The story of Job is a powerful example of faith through adversity. Despite losing his health, wealth, and family, Job’s faith in God endured. Job 13:15 declares his unwavering trust, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.”

Similarly, James 1:2-3 tells believers to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Faith enables us to endure with the assurance that God is working for our growth and His purposes—even in pain.

Actionable Insight

When facing trials, keep a journal to record how God has been faithful in the past. Reflecting on His past provisions can encourage you to trust Him through current difficulties.

Faith as Belief in the Unseen

Living by faith means believing in a reality that is not always visible to the eye. Hebrews 11:1 beautifully defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

This unseen reality includes the spiritual world, eternal life, and God’s ultimate plan for salvation. For example, Jesus commends those who believe without physical proof in John 20:29 when He says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Faith bridges the gap between the physical and the spiritual, inviting believers to trust in the promises of God’s unseen kingdom.

Believing in the unseen requires a conscious decision to place confidence in what the world might dismiss as intangible. This is at the heart of living by faith, as it challenges us to live beyond our immediate senses and circumstances.

Actionable Insight

Take time to meditate on Hebrews 11. Reflect on the lives of those who walked by faith in what they could not see, and consider how you can emulate their confidence in spiritual realities.

Faith as an Ongoing Journey

Living by faith is not a one-time decision; it is a lifelong commitment. Through trust, obedience, perseverance, and belief in the unseen, faith shapes every aspect of our lives as disciples of Christ.

Just as Abraham believed, Noah obeyed, Job endured, and countless others trusted in what they could not see, you too are called to live by faith. Begin today by taking small, consistent steps to grow in trust, align your actions with God’s commands, and keep your eyes set on His promises.

If you’re ready to take your walk of faith deeper, explore more of God’s word and allow Him to guide your life. The path may not always be smooth, but the destination is worth everything.

How To Be Saved According To Jesus

What must I do to be saved?

“Sirs, what ​must​ I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) That question, that has echoed in the hearts of men down through the ages, since the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas. It touches that universal wish in all of us to understand the meaning of our lives and to have hope for the future.

The response given by Paul and Silas is not complicated; they simply say, “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). So, what does it actually mean to believe in or to “believe on”? Check out this amazing article on How To Be Saved According To Jesus

We are here for you!

We commit our lives to God the Father and His Son – the Lord Jesus Christ! We are in the business of spreading the good news, to inspire hope, share the message of deliverance, and ultimately plant the seed of saving faith.

Our desire is to extend and share with others the love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness of God, which are available to all through faith in Him. Our goal is to encourage others to hold on to this message, enjoy the peace that comes from His promises, and find the pathway to life as we learn the Father’s ways and live by them.

If you need prayer, encouragement, or assistance of any kind, please contact us. It would be our pleasure to help and bless you in any way we can!