The word assurance comes from a Greek word referring to that which is placed under something, such as substructure or foundation.4 It came to denote a steadfastness of mind, a firm resolution, a confidence or assurance. The word conviction comes from a Greek word that denotes certainty or conviction about the existence or truthfulness of something.5 In light of the meaning of these terms, we may define biblical faith as the Christian’s assurance or confidence that what he hopes for is or will become a reality and the conviction or certainty that what he has not seen actually exists.
