Faith: Four Types of Faith, Which Do You Have?
Definition of Faith in the Bible
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1
Faith Scriptures in the Bible
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Test Yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! – 2 Corinthians 13:5
A person is saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8). A Christian is sanctified by faith (Acts 26:18) and serves others by this same faith (1 Peter 4:8–11). A Christ-follower lives and walks by faith daily (Hebrews 3:10). Does this describe your faith? Are there counterfeit forms of faith out there? Let’s take a look and examine ourselves along the way.
What Are the 4 Types of Faith?
As we look to the Bible to understand faith, we can identify four distinct types of faith that are covered within its teachings.
Dead Faith
James informs us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). In other words, if your faith is real, you will produce fruit. That is, good works are evidence that your faith is genuine. I’ve observed that you don’t have to motivate sincere Christians to do what the Holy Spirit is already urging them to do. If your faith is dead, it will be obvious by a lack of good fruit and an abundance of selfish thoughts, cruel words, and immoral deeds.
Demonic Faith
James also teaches that even demons believe and shudder at the name of Jesus (James 2:19). Their “faith” is intellectual. That is, the demons have no doubt that Jesus is the Son of the living God, but they rebelliously choose to serve a different master. And their master, Satan, is crystal clear on the fact that Jesus died and rose from the dead. As a matter of fact, Satan’s theology is probably better than yours or mine. But knowing all the answers and possessing the right theology doesn’t save you.
Vain Faith
Not everyone who says that Jesus is Lord of their lives will enter the kingdom of heaven on the day of His return. Only those who actually do the will of God will be permitted entry. Responding to an altar call, saying the sinner’s prayer, or religiously and generously tithing—these alone will not save you. Please don’t be the person who completes all kinds of religious milestones and cries out on the final day “Lord! Lord!” only to hear the dreadful words “I never knew you; depart from me” (Matthew 7:21–23).
Saving Faith
The message of John 3:16 is so clear: God loves every one of us, He sent His only begotten Son to live among us, and whoever believes on Jesus will have eternal life. Ephesians 2:8–10 provides us with some additional details: You are saved by grace through faith. Salvation is a gift. You are not saved because of any good works you ever did. But you were made to do good works and point people to Christ. God prepared many good things for you to do. As you live by saving faith, you will supernaturally produce good fruit, works, and evidence that you are no longer a slave to sin.
Raising Children with a Biblical Worldview
Raising children with a Biblical worldview involves nurturing their understanding of the world through the lens of Scripture, teaching them to see life’s events, decisions, and values in alignment with God’s Word. It means instilling in them the principles and truths of the Bible from an early age so they learn to recognize God’s sovereignty in all areas of life. Parents play a critical role by modeling Christian virtues, engaging in regular prayer and Bible study with their children, and addressing life’s challenges with biblical wisdom. This upbringing helps children develop a strong moral foundation, equipping them to navigate a world that often contradicts Christian values while also fostering a deep, personal relationship with God that will guide them throughout their lives.
One of the best ways to raise children with a Biblical worldview is to study the Bible together as a family. The Word in Motion Bible curriculum is a vibrantly illustrated two-volume series that walks through both the Old and New Testaments. As children learn God’s character and the love He has for His people, they will see stories of God’s faithfulness and the gift of faith He gives to Christian believers.
A Prayer for True Faith
Heavenly Father, as I look to you, I recognize my sinful condition. I thank you for saving me by faith in Jesus Christ. Examine me, Lord, and let my faith prove to be genuine. My desire is to love you with all my heart, obey you in all things, persevere with confidence, and do the good works that you prepared in advance for me to do. I am saved, and I am yours. Do your good and pleasing will in and through my life.
Walking by faith and enjoying the homeschooling adventure of a lifetime!
Davis Carman
Davis Carman is the president of Apologia Educational Ministries, the #1 publisher of Creation-based science, math, Bible, and worldview curricula. He is also the author of four illustrated children’s books designed to help kids learn a biblical worldview. He believes that if there was ever a time to homeschool, it is now! Davis’s four books include: Good Morning, God, based on Deuteronomy 6, A Light for My Path, an ABC book based on Psalm 119, In the Beginning, based on the Creation account in Genesis, and Psalms to Know Early.