In the Old Testament, faith is mentioned 24 times. The first reference to faith in the Old Testament is found in Genesis 15:6, where it says “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
Faith is also mentioned in the story of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac. In Genesis 22:16-19, Abraham obeys God’s command to sacrifice his son Isaac. At the last moment, an angel stops Abraham from killing his son and provides a ram as a substitute. This story shows us that even though God commands us to do things that seem impossible or difficult, we should always have faith that He knows what’s best for us and will help us through these situations if we trust Him enough to follow His commands!
How Many Times Is Faith Mentioned In The Old Testament
There are plenty of ways to search for mentions of faith in the Old Testament. With online translations and strong search engines, you can find hundreds of places where faith is mentioned. But if you’re looking specifically for Hebrews 11, there are just nine spots where you’ll find the word “faith” in a King James Version translation. Even if you use another translation, it will likely be similar to that one: having the right amount of faith is key to entering heaven and pleasing God, according to this chapter.
But without faith it is impossible to please him:
Faith is the most important thing. It’s the only thing that can save you, and without it you can’t please God, or get into heaven, or enjoy eternal life. Faith is the key to salvation, and without faith there is no hope for anyone. So if we’re going to have any hope at all for our eternal lives then we need to make sure we have lots of faith!
And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:
And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness before he performed any good works or obeyed any of God’s laws. Faith is not something that you learn or earn through your actions; it is a gift from God that can only be received by accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior (see Romans 5:1-2). It is not something that man creates; instead, it originates with God (see Hebrews 11:6).
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
- For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
- Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed? Even as the Lord gave to every man?
- And without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
For we walk by faith, not by sight:
The word “faith” is mentioned in the Old Testament over 500 times, but let’s focus on the first two instances:
- For we walk by faith, not by sight: Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. -Hebrews 10:38-39
- Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. -Hebrews 11:1
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
In the New Testament, faith is mentioned numerous times. It’s not hard to understand how it’s a big deal in the Christian faith. The Old Testament does not reference faith or the concept of believing in God as much as the New Testament does. There are still some instances where it is mentioned, however, and it should be noted that when you look at these references throughout scripture they all have one common theme: Faith comes from God and only through Him can we have faith.
It doesn’t matter what anyone else tells you; belief in God must come from within your heart and mind before you can truly have faith (John 3:16). If someone tries to convince you otherwise then they’re trying to manipulate your beliefs into doing something they think benefits them—not you!
But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. (Romans 10:18)
And yet again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (Matthew 19:24)
For nothing is secret that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid that shall not be known and come abroad. (Mark 4:22)
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
There are a total of 9 verses in Hebrews 11 that refer to faith, which is the same number as all other New Testament books combined. If you count all instances of the word “belief” then it would be 13 times.
The Bible also makes clear that faith is a requirement for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
We should fear that we might miss out on entering God’s rest. We should fear that we might come short of the promise of entering God’s rest because of our sins. We should fear that we might come short of the promise of entering God’s rest because of our lack of faith.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
- Faith is a gift from God.
- Faith is a gift that comes to us through Jesus Christ.
- And faith is a gift that comes to us through the Holy Spirit.
- We receive faith as we read and study the word of God and allow it to become part of our lives as we pray and ask for guidance from above.
There are 9 mentions of faith in Hebrews 11
There are 9 mentions of faith in Hebrews 11. For those who are wondering, that’s more than any other word in Hebrews 11 and more than any other word in the Bible. It’s also more than all but one other word (love) in the Old Testament. If you want to read more about how it compares to other words in the entire Bible, check out this article.
Conclusion
Now we know that there are 9 mentions of faith in Hebrews 11. This is a great place to start if you want to deepen your relationship with God through reading the Bible and learning about what he has in store for us!
First time faith is mentioned in the Bible
There are over 200 occurrences of the word “faith” in the New Testament. In Hebrews 11, which has become known as the “Hall of Faith” or the “Faith Hall of Fame,” we see numerous depictions of people who were exemplary in their faith. See what the Bible says about trusting in God below.
God bestows faith upon his people. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this faith was not produced in you. Moreover, this is not your effort but God’s blessing.
As stated in Ephesians 2:8, our faith in God must come first.
Moreover, without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would come close to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Heb. 11:61
Third, trials are essential for the growth and refinement of faith, which is priceless in and of itself.
That the genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes even when tested by fire—may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ is the joy in which you now exult.
1 Peter 1:6-7
Faith is a gift from God, and it is received by hearing the Word of God, which is Jesus Christ.
An Exposition of Romans 10:17
Fifth, genuine faith is shown by one’s actions.
So too, faith without deeds is useless.
James 2:17
The sixth miracle faith creates
As a result of their lack of trust, he told them: “Because of your little faith. Nothing will be impossible for you if your faith is as small as a mustard seed, Jesus says.
As Jesus taught in Matthew 17:20:7, faith is not a creed but a way of life.
Since it is written that “the righteous shall live by faith,” the righteousness of God is made known in it through faith.
A New Translation of Romans 1:17
If you subscribe to my blog, you’ll also get a free study on the book of James that includes a lesson on faith.
Here’s the second half of our hope series.