What Is Faith?

Basics of the Faith

by Guy M. Richard

The Bible teaches us that Christians are those who believe in Christ. But what does true saving faith look like? Is it a blind leap in the dark? Is it knowing about God? Doe it translate into something that those around us can see? How much faith is enough? Here Christian faith is examined from biblical, theological, and historical perspectives. Its aspects of intellect, relationship, trust, works, and maturity are explored to answer these questions and to show us what faith truly is. Basics of the Faith booklets introduce readers to basic Reformed doctrine and practice. On issues of church government and practice they reflect that framework--otherwise they are suitable for all church situations.

Genres: Theology

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Dr. Guy M. Richard is executive director and assistant professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Atlanta. He previously served as senior minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Gulfport, Miss. He has been teaching at RTS since 2010.

Reviews

[Keith Pinckney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid. Super short. Not comprehensive, but adequate. This is one of my professors and he is reading from the vantage point of a Systematic Theologian, much of NT scholarship has done work here that expands the meaning and understanding of faith based on 1st century context. Maybe I’m boxed in to the moment but would have loved the idea of faith as loyalty to our King.

[John Porterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice short read about the Reformed doctrine of faith. A great recommendation to students or friends who aren’t as deep in the theological world.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith is a word whose use far outstrips its understanding. What does the Bible mean when it speaks of faith? Does it matter how much faith a person has? Or what that person’s faith is in? Such questions linger. To unmuddy the waters, Richard details how biblical faith is intellectual, relational, trusting, active, and ever-maturing. He packs a surprising extent of substance into the confines of this booklet series, delivering a potent introduction to saving faith.

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent synopsis on what it means to have Biblical, saving faith.