What is the spiritual gift of faith?

Saving faith is something that every believer has. We know from Scripture that it's only by our faith in Jesus Christ that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9) and that, without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). We also find that faith is listed alongside other spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:9 as a special gift given to some believers by the Holy Spirit. While all Christians have faith of some sort, those with the gift of faith have an uncommon and extraordinary confidence in God and His promises, power, and presence. The purpose of all spiritual gifts is to be used for the common good and to build up the church, and the spiritual gift of faith is just the same.

People with this gift are found all throughout the Bible and are compiled into a list we find in Hebrews 11. Here, we see heroes of the faith like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, to name a few. Each of these men had an unwavering confidence in God—an extraordinary faith in Him that helped them through the darkest and most troubling of circumstances. Noah, because of his faith, spent 120 years building a boat without real proof he'd ever need one (Hebrews 11:7). Abraham, who was 100 years old, believed God would give him a son, though his wife was well beyond childbearing years (Hebrews 11:11). And Moses led the Israelites to the Promised Land based solely on His faith in God's promise to protect his people (Hebrews 11:24-29). Because of their firm confidence in God's power and promises, these men were able to accomplish heroic and life-changing things for God, His plans, and His Kingdom.

Today, those who have the gift of faith are sources of inspiration to their fellow believers. They live their lives in confidence and profound hope in God and His Word. Their practice of great faith is a proof of God's sovereignty that can be far louder than any sermon delivered at the pulpit. These people show humility and godliness in their lives. They're known as passionate and fearless at times due to their reliance on God and confidence in His promises and protection. They're certain God will overcome any obstacle or hindrance in the way of His plans and the furthering of the gospel. They proceed in faith, knowing God will always be victorious.

These people are visionaries in the church, taking bold steps in faith when they sense God calling them, building up the church and other believers (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Those who do not have the gift of faith may not be able to see what a believer with the gift of faith can see. Christians with the gift of faith can motivate and encourage others by how they walk and live out their faith. They are a joy and encouragement to others, working together with the rest of the church body, as every person serves God according to their own unique gifts for the glory of His Kingdom, just as they were uniquely created to do.

TL;DR

The spiritual gift of faith is listed in 1 Corinthians 12:9 as a special gift given to certain believers by the Holy Spirit. All Christians have saving faith, but those with the gift of faith have an extraordinary confidence in God and His promises, power, and presence. They live their lives with fearless faith, profound hope in God's promises and protection, humility, and godliness. They inspire, encourage, and motivate other believers toward a deeper personal faith.

Writer: Stephanie T.

Stephanie is a 21-year old with a passion to see believers grow and become passionate in their relationship with the Lord. She is a lover of sweat tea, sunshine, and the freedom that comes from Christ. In her free time, she can be found singing, playing guitar, writing or jamming out to Hawk Nelson, Phil Wickham, and worship music. Her dreams are to become a worship leader and a published author, while living a life full of fun and joy that comes from the Lord.

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