Does the Bible say faith is a gift from God?

The question of whether faith is a gift from God is a profound one, touching on the very nature of our relationship with the Divine and the workings of salvation. The Bible provides a rich tapestry of insights that help us understand how faith operates within the believer’s life and how it is bestowed upon us.

To begin with, the concept of faith as a gift from God is explicitly mentioned in several key passages in the New Testament. One of the most direct references is found in Ephesians 2:8-9, where the Apostle Paul writes:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (ESV)

In this passage, Paul emphasizes that our salvation, which is through faith, is not a result of our own efforts but rather a gift from God. This indicates that faith itself is part of the divine grace bestowed upon us. The Greek word used here for "gift" is "doron," which implies a present or a free offering. Thus, Paul underscores that faith is not something we can earn or achieve by our merit; it is given to us by God.

Moreover, the notion of faith as a divine gift is supported by other scriptures as well. For instance, in Philippians 1:29, Paul again writes:

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake."

Here, the word "granted" translates from the Greek word "charizomai," which means to show favor or to give graciously. This reinforces the idea that the ability to believe in Christ, which is faith, is granted by God.

Furthermore, in 2 Peter 1:1, the Apostle Peter addresses his letter to those who have received a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. The word "received" (Greek: "lachousin") implies that faith is something allotted or given, not something inherently possessed.

However, while these passages clearly indicate that faith is a gift from God, it is also important to understand how this gift operates within the broader context of Christian life and theology. Faith, while divinely given, also involves a human response. The Bible consistently calls individuals to believe, to trust, and to live out their faith. This dynamic interplay between divine initiative and human response is a central theme in Scripture.

For example, in Romans 10:17, Paul states:

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."

This suggests that while faith is a gift, it is also something that grows and is nurtured through our engagement with God’s Word. The preaching of the Gospel and the hearing of the message of Christ are means through which God imparts faith to individuals. This aligns with the Reformation principle of "sola fide" (faith alone) and "sola scriptura" (scripture alone), emphasizing that faith comes through the hearing and receiving of the Word of God.

Additionally, in Hebrews 11:1, faith is described as:

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

This definition underscores the nature of faith as trust and confidence in God’s promises, even when they are not yet visible. The entire chapter of Hebrews 11 goes on to list numerous examples of Old Testament figures who lived by faith, demonstrating that faith involves a trustful and obedient response to God’s revelation.

The relationship between faith and works is another critical aspect to consider. While faith is a gift from God, it naturally produces good works as its fruit. James 2:17 states:

"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

This does not mean that works are a means to earn faith or salvation, but rather that genuine faith, given by God, will manifest itself in a transformed life characterized by good deeds. This is consistent with Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 2:10, immediately following his assertion that faith is a gift:

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Thus, while faith is a divine gift, it is also active and dynamic, leading to a life of obedience and service.

The theological concept of faith as a gift from God also finds resonance in Christian literature and teachings throughout church history. For instance, Augustine of Hippo, in his work "On the Predestination of the Saints," argues that faith itself is a gift of God’s grace, given to the elect according to His sovereign will. Similarly, John Calvin, in his "Institutes of the Christian Religion," asserts that faith is a result of the Holy Spirit’s work in the heart of the believer, transforming their will and enabling them to trust in Christ.

In contemporary Christian thought, this understanding continues to be upheld. Theologian J.I. Packer, in his book "Knowing God," emphasizes that faith is a response to God’s revelation and a work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s heart. He writes:

"Faith is a supernatural gift of God. It is not something that we can produce in ourselves; it is something that God must work in us."

This view aligns with the biblical witness that faith is not merely a human achievement but a divine endowment.

In conclusion, the Bible indeed teaches that faith is a gift from God. This is clearly articulated in passages such as Ephesians 2:8-9, Philippians 1:29, and 2 Peter 1:1. However, this gift operates within the context of God’s revelation through His Word and requires a human response of trust and obedience. Faith, while divinely given, is also nurtured through our engagement with Scripture and manifests itself in a life of good works. The recognition of faith as a gift underscores the grace of God in salvation and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.