Everyone has a measure of faith, but few can identify the type they actually have. The definition is the belief in something, according to the dictionary. It is the belief in God and in the things God can do, according to the Bible. Many people can quote the definition found in Hebrews 11:1 that says, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." However, that's all some people know.
Definition
Even though faith is a major part of a person's life, there are different types. Actually, it can be categorized into five distinct types.
Sometimes the types overlap, and sometimes people can have more than one type at a particular time. A problem exists when a person feels that he has none at all. The good news is that everyone has some. However, it might not be activated. It is like having a
The good news is that everyone has some. However, it might not be activated. It is like having a credit card with a large amount on it, but until the card is activated, it can't be used. Once it is activated, it can be used as long as money is available on the card.
Types
Of the five types, one is not more important than the other. Also, while a person is exhibiting his belief, it is not necessary to be hung up on which type he is experiencing.
Justifying faith is the confidence a person has that he has been forgiven as if he never sinned, according to 1 John 1:9. This probably is the first type people recognize as they get saved.
Biblical faith is the type that is based on examples of people in the Bible, such as Abraham, David, and Paul. It is when a person lives like people of faith in the Bible.
Paul talks a lot about this subject in his books in the New Testament.
Indwelling Faith is the habit of practicing the presence of God by being in communion with God moment by moment. It is evident when a person demonstrates that he has complete confidence that the Holy Spirit is living inside of him to direct everything he does.
Daily faith is knowing without any doubt at all that God will meet a person's needs even when it is not evident. It is not limited to being in church on Sundays and at Bible study on Wednesday nights. It is being confident 24-hours a day no matter what the situation is.
There might be more or fewer than five types of some lists, but most of them can be summarized under the above categories. Also, they might be identified by other names.
Use the above list to monitor your own faith. You will see that the types do overlap and you do have more than one type. Some people have confessed that they usually have all five types. It might help to be concerned about your measure of faith than about that of others.
