The Bible supports the idea that faith involves trusting in something you have reason to believe is true by emphasizing a rational, evidence-based trust in God’s character, promises, and actions. This perspective is seen in multiple passages, where faith is not depicted as blind belief but as trust rooted in reasons and evidence.
Hebrews 11:1 — "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
This verse shows that faith involves assurance and conviction. While faith deals with things not yet fully seen, it is still based on a foundation that gives one confidence (or assurance) that the unseen reality is true. The chapter goes on to list examples of individuals who trusted in God’s promises because they had seen His faithfulness in the past.
Romans 10:17 — "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
This verse highlights that faith is rooted in hearing the message of Christ, the gospel. Faith is not baseless but comes from a response to the message of the gospel, which is based on historical events such as the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:14–17 — Paul explains that Christian faith is grounded in the historical event of the resurrection of Jesus. He argues that if Christ was not raised from the dead, Christian faith is in vain. Paul is pointing to the fact that the truthfulness of faith hinges on the reality of the resurrection — an event witnessed by many (1 Corinthians 15:6).
John 20:24–29 (Doubting Thomas) — After the resurrection, Thomas doubts that Jesus is alive until he sees Him and touches His wounds. When Thomas sees Jesus, he believes. Jesus responds, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." While Thomas had direct evidence, the passage suggests that faith in Jesus is based on the trustworthy testimony of witnesses, which offers a rational basis for belief.
Psalm 19:1–4 — "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."
This passage illustrates that the created world gives humanity reason to believe in a Creator. Observing nature provides evidence that points to the existence and power of God, giving a rational foundation for faith in Him.
Acts 17:30–31 — Paul, while speaking to the Greeks in Athens, appeals to the resurrection of Christ as the basis for judgment and repentance. He presents faith in Jesus not as a blind leap, but as a reasonable response to God’s actions in history, particularly the resurrection: "God has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead."
In summary, faith in the Bible is not irrational or disconnected from evidence. Rather, it is trusting in what is true based on good reasons—whether through God’s revealed Word, His actions in history, or the evidence of creation itself. Christians are called to have faith based on the trustworthy nature of God and the evidence He provides.
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