Everyone has faith in something or someone. The issue in life is not whether we have faith, but who or what is the object of our faith. What characterizes our object of faith? Is it artificial, transient, bound by time and space, or is it eternal and beyond any form of corruption?
As believers, we are born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (1 Peter 1:3-4). Right there, we see that our faith is anchored upon a living Savior who cannot be altered by time, space, or matter. But how does this impact our definition of the faith we have? If our object of faith is alive, then our faith is alive, and it should be perceived as such by others. That is why it is called a living one.
Biblehub.com defines it this way: Living faith is a dynamic and active trust in God that manifests in the believer’s life through obedience, works, and spiritual growth. It is not merely intellectual assent to doctrinal truths but involves a heartfelt commitment to God, resulting in a transformed life. Living faith is characterized by its vitality and fruitfulness, distinguishing it from a dead or nominal faith. James makes this explicit when he says that faith without works is dead (James 2:17-18). He is not saying that our faith is based on works of the flesh, since that would be unbiblical (Eph. 2:8-9, Romans 3:28). A living faith is evidenced by the works it produces, not just mental understanding.
Evidences of a Living Faith
Obedience to Christ
True faith recognizes Jesus not just as Savior, but as Lord. Obedience is the natural byproduct of a heart that has been changed by grace. Jesus said that those who love him must keep his commandments (John 14:15) as evidence of their love. Living faith is seen in the active response to what God is calling us to do in our lives, no matter how tough it seems. The first epistle of John also reminds us that we have assurance of our knowledge of God only through our obedience (1 John 2:3–4), not merely through our words. It is often said that talk is cheap, and that is also true when it comes to faith – living faith, for that matter. Therefore, a sure test of living faith is seen in our obedience more than simple verbal confessions. And one rhetorical question Jesus asks us is: why do we want to call him Lord without obedience (Luke 6:46)?
Works of Faith
While works do not save us, they are the ‘fruit’ that proves the ‘root’ of faith is alive. A faith that produces no change in action is considered stagnant and dead (James 2:17–18). Christianity does not teach that we work our way into faith or salvation; it teaches that our faith produces good works, and those works are prepared for us by God (Ephesians 2:10). That is what is referred to as ‘works of faith’ rather than ‘works for faith’. We know we have a living faith when we see it producing works aligned with our convictions and beliefs. As is obvious in natural life, mango trees produce mangoes, and grapevines produce grapes. What we show forth in our lives reflects who we are on the inside. Jesus said that we will know people by their fruit, not just by their words (Matthew 7:16). Are there works of faith evident in your life today? Before others see them, can you confirm that you have them? These works show a living faith.
Perseverance in Trials
A living faith is durable (Romans 8:17). It doesn’t disappear when life gets difficult; rather, trials serve to refine and prove the authenticity of that faith. Scripture speaks to the reality of suffering and trials and emphasizes that they ought to lead us to hope (Romans 5:3–4). In many church circles today, believers have been made to believe that they are not to go through any tough times because they have the power of Jesus in them. In fact, it is so prevalent that suffering and trials are deemed as spirits that need to be cast out, bound, and thrown into the fire! You must be familiar with the ‘declare and decree‘ approach, where believers are called to pull heaven down. Well, that so goes against the reasoning of the Spirit of God when it comes to the purpose of trials – to build our character and compound our hope (1 Peter 1:6–7).
Living faith grows through the trials and sufferings, and not in us throwing in the towel or having warped theology that would purport there is a way to avoid suffering. Ultimately, trials and suffering reveal the quality of our faith. Dead faith curses God in the face of trials, but living faith remains in God, knowing that a reward awaits those who persevere (James 1:12, Romans 8:28).
Spiritual Growth
Lastly, living faith is seen in our spiritual growth. When a child is born, you know they are living if they are growing; otherwise, they are dead. That is because living things grow. A believer with a living faith will show an increasing “appetite” for spiritual things and a gradual transformation into the likeness of Christ. It is not a sinless perfection kind of attitude where we purport that one must never sin – we are human and fallen and susceptible to sin. However, it indicates a decline in our pursuit of personal satisfaction. Peter urges the believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus (2 Peter 3:18), meaning that a living faith is progressive and evident. Growing in faith is evidenced by our love for the scriptures, prayer, meditation, and the spreading of the gospel.
Spiritual growth also means walking in a manner worthy of the Lord (Colossians 1:10), pleasing him as we bear fruit in good works. What are the things that please God? Loving others, forgiveness, waging war against sin, not giving up the struggle, and many more. In all these things that signify living faith, the confidence is not in the thought that we are strong enough to do it, but that the one who began the good work is capable of bringing it to a definite completion (Philippians 1:6) on the day of Christ.
Do you notice these things in your life as you walk the journey? Then your faith is living and active. But if you notice a shortfall, go to the one who gives you life to bring you to life.