The definition of "faith" in the Bible should be based on a relationship, not personal conviction. Faith from the relationship with God is biblical.
Faith is often explained as a requirement and condition in exchange for something, such as in Hebrew 11:1 and Mark 11:24.
People form a mindset from the two verses: "You will have a thing if you believe that you have received it. God will give it to you if you believe. Even in a trial, you must believe because it is a test from God. Hold on and you will get the thing you want."
God is excluded in this way of thinking. Believers are required to tolerate everything, which is called "becoming strong in God". Actually, they fail to develop a relationship with God or to know Him.
A popular idea exists in the current Christian community: "your unbelief results in not receiving what you ask." The idea leads people away from God and brings them a burden that faith is metaphysical and impossible.
Faith is a carrier. Scrutinize Hebrews 11:1. We discover that it doesn't define faith, but describes the results of faith ---"this is what the ancients were commended for (Hebrews 11:2)".
Faith is the carrier of the relationship between human beings and God. It is from God and grows on the basis of the relationship.The knowledge and experience of God generate faith.
Jesus said, "Believe me...or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves."(John 14:11) This kind of real faith comes from experience.
People regard Abraham as our example to learn from. However, his deeds cannot be replicated for our inspiration; instead, they turn out to be burdens of the weak and metaphysical law people blindly follow.
The main theme of the Bible is God and Jesus! The whole Bible tells who God is from the beginning to end, not a so-called faith manual or life instruction. Scripture is the autobiography of God, introducing Himself to men and presenting Himself through Jesus in the end times.
In Genesis 15:6, the faith God recognized in Abraham was formed during Chapters 12-14 of Genesis. He didn't have confidence at the very beginning. So God's promise to him was real. God will train us in the same way he forged Abraham as long as we come to build relationships with Him.
Faith and offerings are the outcome of knowing God rather than etiquette or a means to receive blessings.
- Translated by Karen Luo
