Biblical Answer

The Nature of Faith

When it comes to the point of having faith, especially in the face of bad things happening, it can be challenging to understand why faith is necessary or even beneficial. The Bible presents faith as a multifaceted concept, encompassing both the act of believing certain propositions and trusting in God. This twofold nature of faith is crucial to understanding its role in our lives.

Faith as Action

In the face of evil or suffering, it's easy to question God's justice or to feel that faith is merely a matter of believing certain propositions without evidence or logic. However, the Bible presents faith as an action that transforms evil. When we have faith, we are not simply passively accepting a set of beliefs; we are actively trusting in God and taking steps to bring about the object of that faith. This means that faith is not just about intellectual assent but about obedience and commitment to God.

The Power of Faith

Faith is not about ignoring the facts or suppressing our doubts; it's about trusting in God even when the circumstances seem to contradict His goodness. The Bible teaches that faith is not just about believing certain truths but about trusting in God's character and promises. When we have faith, we are not just hoping for a better future; we are actively participating in God's work of transforming the world. This means that faith is not just a means of coping with evil but a powerful force that can bring about positive change. By understanding the nature of faith as an action that trusts in God, we can see that faith is not just a response to bad things happening but a means of overcoming them.