If faith is not a strong feeling, wishful thinking, or a positive mental attitude, then what is it? The author of Hebrews provides us with a sure, clear answer: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (11:1). Faith, in other words—true, biblical faith—produces a certainty regarding the unseen things that we, as followers of Jesus Christ, are to hope for. But that’s not all. The apostle Paul offers this helpful reminder: “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8, emphasis added).

Do you ever wonder why it is, believer, that you believe what you believe? When you get down on your knees and pray all alone in your room, how can you trust that God hears all of your prayers? Where does this assurance come from? Only as the result of God graciously opening your eyes to the truth of who He is. Such faith creates conviction. Such faith is a gift from God—a gift that He wants us to receive and enjoy.

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Adapted from the sermon “What Is Faith?” by Alistair Begg