To build faith in God according to the Bible, it’s helpful to understand what biblical faith is and then explore the ways Scripture instructs us to cultivate it.

Understanding Biblical Faith

Hebrews 11:1 provides a foundational definition:

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Biblical faith isn’t just a mental agreement or intellectual assent. It involves:

• Assurance (ὑπόστασις – hypostasis): This implies a confident understanding and firm persuasion that what God has promised is true and will come to pass. It’s a substance or reality underlying our hope.

• Conviction (ἔλεγχος – elenchos): This refers to a firm persuasion, a proof, or a conviction of things not seen by our physical eyes. It’s an acceptance of God’s truth even when it’s beyond our immediate experience or sensory perception.

Faith, in this sense, is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9), but it’s also something that grows and is strengthened through our engagement with God and His Word.

Ways to Build Faith According to the Bible

Here are key ways the Bible teaches us to build our faith in God:

1. Hearing and Understanding the Word of God:

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

• Explanation: Our faith is directly linked to God’s Word. Regularly reading, studying, and listening to the Bible is crucial. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we learn about God’s character, His promises, His faithfulness, and His actions throughout history. Understanding these truths lays the groundwork for belief and trust.

• Practical Application: Make Bible reading and study a consistent part of your life. Seek to understand the meaning and application of the scriptures. Consider using study tools, commentaries, or joining Bible study groups.

2. Believing and Acting on the Word:

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)

• Explanation: Hearing the Word is only the first step. True faith involves believing what God says and acting accordingly. This means aligning our lives with the principles and commands found in Scripture. When we step out in obedience, even when it’s difficult or doesn’t make sense to our natural minds, we experience God’s faithfulness firsthand, which strengthens our belief.

• Practical Application: Identify areas in your life where God’s Word calls you to action. Take steps of obedience, trusting that God will honor His promises.

3. Prayer and Dependence on God:

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. (Matthew 21:22)

• Explanation: Prayer is a vital means of connecting with God and expressing our dependence on Him. When we pray with faith, believing that He hears and will act according to His will, our trust in Him deepens. Even when we don’t receive exactly what we ask for, the act of bringing our needs and desires to God cultivates a relationship of reliance.

• Practical Application: Make prayer a regular and sincere practice. Pray specifically for increased faith (Luke 17:5). Trust God with your needs and acknowledge His sovereignty in the outcomes.

4. Experiencing God’s Faithfulness:

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. (Psalm 28:7)

• Explanation: As we live by faith and obey God’s Word, we will inevitably experience His faithfulness in our lives. These experiences become tangible evidence of His character and power, reinforcing our trust and building stronger faith for the future.

• Practical Application: Reflect on times when you have seen God’s hand at work in your life. Remember His provision, guidance, and comfort. Sharing these experiences with others can also strengthen their faith and yours.

5. Fellowship with Other Believers:

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

• Explanation: Being part of a community of believers provides encouragement, accountability, and opportunities to learn from the faith of others. Hearing testimonies of God’s work in their lives can inspire and strengthen our own faith.

• Practical Application: Regularly participate in church or Christian fellowship. Build relationships with other believers and share your faith journeys. Encourage and support one another in your walk with God.

6. Facing Trials and Tribulations:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)

• Explanation: While it may seem counterintuitive, trials can actually strengthen our faith. When we rely on God during difficult times and witness His provision and comfort, our trust in Him deepens. These experiences prove the reality of our faith and build resilience.

• Practical Application: When facing challenges, consciously choose to trust God and seek His guidance. Remember that He can use these situations to grow your faith and character.

7. Focusing on Jesus Christ:

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

• Explanation: Jesus is the ultimate example of faith. By studying His life, His trust in the Father, His obedience, and His sacrifice, we learn what it means to live by faith. He is also the one who initiates and brings our faith to completion.

• Practical Application: Center your faith on Jesus Christ. Learn about His life and teachings in the Gospels. Recognize that it is through Him that we have access to God and the gift of faith.

Building faith in God is a lifelong journey that involves intentional engagement with His Word, prayer, obedience, and reliance on His grace. As we consistently pursue these practices, our assurance and conviction in God will grow stronger, enabling us to live lives that honor Him and experience the fullness of His promises.