Faith as a Spiritual Gift

JesusLives · Mar 14, 2015

Faith also like has been said is in the knowing God and how does one get to know Him? Of course by reading the Word for sure as it tells all about God and that God is love and our Creator and our Savior and so much more. The whole thing is building a relationship with God and as you read the Bible and learn that nothing is impossible for God then getting to know Him we know that He is not a liar and we can believe what He says in His Word....

I guess I never looked at faith from a stand point that it was a gift but rather something that we build with God's help. I would imagine that everyone at least has faith the size of a mustard seed. Maybe not unbelievers?....

Jesus may have had doubts on the cross as He hung there when He felt so removed from the Father, but I do believe He still believed the Father enough to lay His life down into the Father's hands and trusted His fate to the Father when He died....and still to me Jesus exhibited unwavering faith even in His death on the cross. I know He felt abandoned crying My God, My God why have you forsaken me?

Joshua_Generation · Mar 14, 2015

the_last_gunslinger said:

1st Corinthians 12:8-10 gives us a list of spiritual gifts. In verse 9, we read of the gift of faith. It is my understanding, however, that all spiritual gifts are not given to all people. Throughout this Bible passage, for example, Paul says that:

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

This indicates that not all spiritual gifts are given to all. To one is given one gift, and to another, another gift. Likewise, In Romans 12:6, we are told that we have gifts that differ according to the grace afforded us.

I can assume, then, that different people receive different gifts according to God's will for the purpose of building up the church. With this in mind, I am a little unsure of how Faith is seen as a spiritual gift. Is there a difference between the spiritual gift of faith and the faith that all Christians must have if they are to receive salvation? The scriptures make it plain that one must believe in Christ and exercise faith in him for salvation, so clearly, God doesn't just decide who will receive faith and who won't.

Any thoughts on this? I'm thinking that the gift of faith might be defined in terms of degrees. One kind of faith is merely to trust in Christ for salvation, and can be developed through diligence and obedience. Maybe the gift of faith allows some to believe more readily with less proof? Or inspire them to become greater leaders for the Christian movement, their faith serving as an example to others?

I don't know. This question has been stuck in my head for a while now. I'm just curious to hear some fresh perspective on this.

The gift of faith is not saving faith.

The gift of faith, employs faith that passively expects a miracle as a sustained or continuous action. The gift of faith is passive, it receives a miracle. the gift of faith is different from the fruit of the spirit faith, which is faithfulness.

The fruit of the spirit are for character.

The gifts of the spirit are for power.

Examples of the gift of faith in operation are:
Jesus sleeping in the ship during the storm
Daniel in the lions Den

MarcR · Mar 15, 2015

the_last_gunslinger said:

1st Corinthians 12:8-10 gives us a list of spiritual gifts. In verse 9, we read of the gift of faith. It is my understanding, however, that all spiritual gifts are not given to all people. Throughout this Bible passage, for example, Paul says that:

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

This indicates that not all spiritual gifts are given to all. To one is given one gift, and to another, another gift. Likewise, In Romans 12:6, we are told that we have gifts that differ according to the grace afforded us.

I can assume, then, that different people receive different gifts according to God's will for the purpose of building up the church. With this in mind, I am a little unsure of how Faith is seen as a spiritual gift. Is there a difference between the spiritual gift of faith and the faith that all Christians must have if they are to receive salvation? The scriptures make it plain that one must believe in Christ and exercise faith in him for salvation, so clearly, God doesn't just decide who will receive faith and who won't.

Any thoughts on this? I'm thinking that the gift of faith might be defined in terms of degrees. One kind of faith is merely to trust in Christ for salvation, and can be developed through diligence and obedience. Maybe the gift of faith allows some to believe more readily with less proof? Or inspire them to become greater leaders for the Christian movement, their faith serving as an example to others?

I don't know. This question has been stuck in my head for a while now. I'm just curious to hear some fresh perspective on this.

Eph 2:8
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
KJV

This seems to indicate that all believers are given some measure of faith.

The gift of faith in 1Cor 12:9 may or may not involve a special extra measure of faith. The statement, that the gifts are given severally as the Spirit wills, does not preclude the possibility that faith is a universal gift among believers; nor does it preclude a Spiritual Gift of faith that goes beyond the ability to believe and trust God's Word.

sassylady · Mar 15, 2015

We all have a measure of faith, but faith as a Spiritual gift is different. There have been a couple of times when I was in a situation and during prayer I had what I can only describe as a sudden, huge faith deposit that I knew that I knew what to do and it was going to be alright in the end. I honestly believe it is something God may give one in a situation to get them through. That type of faith is a gift and when you have it there is no doubt at all like we can have normally.

mailmandan · Mar 15, 2015

Romans 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

1 Corinthians 12:9 - to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit.

God has granted a differing measure of faith to His children. I don't see this as faith that all Christians have in Christ, since Paul implies that some in the body of Christ have it and others don't. I see it as a special endowment of faith to accomplish certain tasks in ministry.

prodigal · Mar 15, 2015

[h=1]Romans 1:20[/h] [h=2]For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:[/h]

the_last_gunslinger · Mar 15, 2015

You bring up a very good point here regarding Christ's own faith and devotion while on the cross. It brings up an interesting thought, though. We know that Christ was Divine, and I can assume that he knew what it was the Father wanted him to do. Yet at times he expressed fear, such as in the garden of Gethsemane, asking that this cup pass from him. And on the cross, he felt abandoned. Why? What happened at that moment, and how omniscient was Christ while he tarried in mortality?

You say that Christ may have had doubts, but he still had enough faith to go through with the Atonement. Was it truly faith, or did he act according to a perfect knowledge borne of his status as the Son of God? Do the Scriptures ever talk about how much Christ knew?

prodigal · Mar 15, 2015

Christ took my punishment , my punishment wasn't to be crucified, it was eternal separation from god. how Jesus's human nature received this in a condensed form is debated, (his devine nature cannot die, notice its the only time Jesus called the Father, God,) if Jesus never experienced that separation from the father he never truly took my punishment.

psalm 22

Jason0047 · Mar 15, 2015

In 1 Corinthians 12:9 it is clear that it is not talking about "saving faith" because all believers have faith because they are justified by God's grace thru faith. The version of faith that is being spoken about here can be seen in Matthew 17:20 and 1 Corinthians 13:2[TABLE="width: 500"]
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1. For what kind of faith do you see in Matthew 17:20 and 1 Corinthians 13:2? (Well, this is faith that causes miracles. It makes mountains move, and it casts out demons.)
  
  Source Used:
  Gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12) - GoBible.org

Jason0047 · Mar 15, 2015

As for folks here saying every man has a measure of faith:

Well, Romans 12:3 does not say that every man is given a measure of faith (meaning unbelievers). If they had faith, they would believe. The word "every man" in Romans 12:3 is in context to only believers. For if you were to read the chapter, it does not split and talk of unbelievers before or after verse 3. The surrounding verses are addressed to believers. How so? 2 Thessalonians 3:2 says, "all men have not faith." For without faith, it is impossible to please Him. In other words, if all men had a measure of faith, then they would be pleasing God in some way by being an unbeliever. But that's not possible. Only someone who comes forth in faith pleases God.

How do we get faith? By the Word of God. For faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
This is what the Parable of the Sower is all about. Those who receive the Word (i.e. God's Word or the Scriptures of the gospel message) had taken it to heart and repented and accepted Jesus Christ. Some have a deep root in God's Word and they endure persecutions and the cares of this life. Some who do not have root (no faith in God's Word) can fall away due to persecution and or the cares of this life. In other words, some do not endure because of a lack of faith. Remember the verse that says perfect love casts out fear? This is our walk in faith perfected with Jesus Christ.

Jason0047 · Mar 16, 2015

Jason0047 said:

In 1 Corinthians 12:9 it is clear that it is not talking about "saving faith" because all believers have faith because they are justified by God's grace thru faith. The version of faith that is being spoken about here can be seen in Matthew 17:20 and 1 Corinthians 13:2[TABLE="width: 500"]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
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1. For what kind of faith do you see in Matthew 17:20 and 1 Corinthians 13:2? (Well, this is faith that causes miracles. It makes mountains move, and it casts out demons.)

1 Corinthians 12 is dealing with demonstrative gifts (Which glorifies the Lord).

RickyZ · Mar 16, 2015

the_last_gunslinger said:

This is a good one to meditate on. Faith is required to gain salvation yet one must be saved before they may receive any of the gifts. Faith is required to receive any or all of the gifts whether it be healing or wisdom or the working of miracles (http://christianchat.com/blogs/rickyz/6714-power-faith.html) , and yet here it receives it's own separate mention among all the others that require it, which implies there is even more to it beyond working the other gifts. Sassylady made an observation that I think is in the right direction, that is a supernatural faith that works more for providing assurance and comfort than for working a gift. Sometimes you don't need healings or miracles, you just need a little extra assurance that God is with you (or vice-versa). I think that's what it is referring to... a bolstering in your trust in God when such trust may be under attack.

tribesman · Mar 16, 2015

the_last_gunslinger said:

Can you give any single one (biblical) scripture in support for this your belief?

pickles · Mar 16, 2015

the_last_gunslinger said:

Well, Im no scholar, I struggle to even write correctly.
Yes, there is faith we are called to have in Jesus, so that we will recieve God's gift of salvation, grace.
But there is also a gfit of faith, only because the faith that has been set upon me is not of my own doing, but given.
I have often wondered if this is the gift of faith.
For it has been steadfast and unmovable, always presant, and the streangth of all I know in Jesus.
Nothing can shake it or steal it.
Even when everything known in the world tries, this faith remains.
I do know that this faith reqires obedience, not sure how to give a better explanation.
Just, that it is not based in any thing given other than Jesus, and one must walk this faith even when one cannot see the path ahead, only that one walks by faith, not by sight.
As I said I have often wondered if this is the gift of faith, I do know this much, that it is not for me to keep, but to be passed on, witnessed to, and encouraged in others.
Not by my will or streangth, but always as asked in Jesus, by God Our Father.
For in truth, all is God's gifts given, for all is trully His glory!

In Jesus, God bless
pickles

prodigal · Mar 16, 2015

to be aware of a god is one thing, to know god is another
Acts 17:16-341599 Geneva Bible (GNV)

[SUP]16 [/SUP]¶ [SUP][a][/SUP]Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was [SUP][b][/SUP]stirred in him, when he saw the city subject to [SUP][c][/SUP]idolatry.
[SUP]17 [/SUP]Therefore he disputeth in the Synagogue with the Jews, and with them that were religious, and in the market daily with [SUP][d][/SUP]whomsoever he met.
[SUP]18 [/SUP][SUP][e][/SUP]Then certain Philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, disputed with him, and some said, What will this [SUP][f][/SUP]babbler say? Others said, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods (because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.)
[SUP]19 [/SUP]And they took him, and brought him into [SUP][g][/SUP]Mars’ street, saying, May we not know, what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
[SUP]20 [/SUP]For thou bringest certain strange things unto our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
[SUP]21 [/SUP][SUP][h][/SUP]For all the Athenians and strangers which dwelt there, gave themselves to nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some news.
[SUP]22 [/SUP][SUP][i][/SUP]Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ street, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too [SUP][j][/SUP]superstitious.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]For as I passed by, and beheld your [SUP][k][/SUP]devotions, I found an altar wherein was written, UNTO THE [SUP][l][/SUP]UNKNOWN GOD. Whom ye then ignorantly worship, him show I unto you.
[SUP]24 [/SUP][SUP][m][/SUP]God that made the world, and all things that are therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.
[SUP]25 [/SUP]Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life and breath and all things,
[SUP]26 [/SUP][SUP][n][/SUP]And hath made of [SUP][o][/SUP]one blood all mankind, to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath assigned the seasons which were ordained before, and the bounds of their habitation,
[SUP]27 [/SUP]That they should seek the Lord, if so be they might have [SUP][p][/SUP]groped after him, and found him, though doubtless he be not far from every one of us.
[SUP]28 [/SUP]For in him we live, and move, and have our being, as also certain of your own Poets have said: For we are also his generation.
[SUP]29 [/SUP]Forasmuch then, as we are the generation of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone [SUP][q][/SUP]graven by art and the invention of man.
[SUP]30 [/SUP][SUP][r][/SUP]And the time of this ignorance God regarded not: but now he admonisheth all men everywhere to repent.
[SUP]31 [/SUP]Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath appointed, whereof he hath given an [SUP][s][/SUP]assurance to all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
[SUP]32 [/SUP][SUP][t][/SUP]Now when they had heard of the resurrection from the dead, some mocked, and others said, We will hear thee again of this thing.
[SUP]33 [/SUP]And so Paul departed from among them.
[SUP]34 [/SUP]Howbeit certain men clave unto Paul, and believed: among whom was also Dionysius Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Romans 10:14-15New Living Translation (NLT)

[SUP]14 [/SUP]But how can they call on him to save them unl
ess they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? [SUP]15 [/SUP]And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”[SUP][a][/SUP]

Ephesians 2:7-9
7so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.…

pem · Mar 16, 2015

pickles said:

Well, Im no scholar, I struggle to even write correctly.
Yes, there is faith we are called to have in Jesus, so that we will recieve God's gift of salvation, grace.
But there is also a gfit of faith, only because the faith that has been set upon me is not of my own doing, but given.
I have often wondered if this is the gift of faith.
For it has been steadfast and unmovable, always presant, and the streangth of all I know in Jesus.
Nothing can shake it or steal it.
Even when everything known in the world tries, this faith remains.
I do know that this faith reqires obedience, not sure how to give a better explanation.
Just, that it is not based in any thing given other than Jesus, and one must walk this faith even when one cannot see the path ahead, only that one walks by faith, not by sight.
As I said I have often wondered if this is the gift of faith, I do know this much, that it is not for me to keep, but to be passed on, witnessed to, and encouraged in others.
Not by my will or streangth, but always as asked in Jesus, by God Our Father.
For in truth, all is God's gifts given, for all is trully His glory!

In Jesus, God bless
pickles

Hi pickles ! Just addressing your second sentence , the "faith " you talk of is the FREE GIFT of God which enables you to believe in the first place. Faith in God is FROM God . Never ever, ever, ever forget this pickles and dont let anyone else tell you different

Jason0047 · Mar 16, 2015

prodigal said:

The atheist does not consciously have faith. On a subconscious level they are aware of God, but he or she does not have hope in the substance of things hoped for; Nor do they walk by sight unseen or by the evidences of things not seen. For faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1 as the substance of things hoped for and the evidences of things not seen. 2 Thessalonians 3:2 says, for not all men have faith (Which is in context to wicked men, .i.e. unbelievers). For how does one get faith? Romans 10:17 says, faith comes by hearing the Word of God.

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14)

Jason0047 · Mar 16, 2015

Okay, I just read prodigal's post above. I just noticed he quoted Romans 10:14, too.

gb9 · Mar 16, 2015

well, Jason, most of the atheists I have meet or heard do not care about God. most of them mock the idea of God and call us ignorant or think we have low intelligence. so not to argue, just add to what you said.

Jason0047 · Mar 16, 2015

gb9 said:

Yes, I am aware they do not care about God; That doesn't change the fact that they are in denial of his existence on a subconscious level. They will be without excuse of his existence.

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