Faith is a central theme in the Bible. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages that discuss faith:
Hebrews 11 – The “Faith Hall of Fame”
Hebrews 11 is sometimes called the “Faith Hall of Fame” because it lists many heroes of the Bible and how they demonstrated great faith. This chapter shows how faith motivated action in the lives of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and Rahab among others. They persevered and overcame obstacles through their strong faith in God.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Romans 4 – Abraham’s Faith Credited as Righteousness
Romans 4 uses the example of Abraham to show that faith is the means by which believers are credited with righteousness. Abraham trusted God’s promise that he would become a great nation, even when it seemed unlikely due to his and Sarah’s old age. His faith was credited to him as righteousness.
“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:20-21)
Ephesians 2:8-9 – Saved by Grace Through Faith
Ephesians 2 emphasizes that salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ, not by works. While good works are important to the Christian life, salvation cannot be earned – it is the gift of God received by faith.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Mark 11:22 – Have Faith in God
In Mark 11, Jesus tells his disciples to “have faith in God” in the context of instructing them that they could tell a mountain to be thrown into the sea and it would happen if they believed. He emphasized the power of faith in God to accomplish great things.
“And Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God.'” (Mark 11:22)
Matthew 17:20 – Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed
Also found in Luke 17:6, Jesus uses a mustard seed to illustrate how even a small amount of faith can make the impossible possible. With faith like a tiny mustard seed, his disciples could command a mulberry tree to uproot itself and plant itself in the sea.
“He said to them, ‘…For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'” (Matthew 17:20)
James 2:14-26 – Faith and Works
The book of James discusses the relationship between faith and works. James emphasizes that works are the evidence of true faith. Faith without works is dead. Works complete faith.
“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)
1 Corinthians 13:13 – Faith, Hope and Love
In Paul’s famous chapter about love, he concludes by identifying faith, hope and love as the three enduring virtues. Love is the greatest of these. Hope and faith help lead to love.
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Mark 9:14-29 – Lord, I Believe; Help My Unbelief
This passage recounts Jesus healing a boy with an unclean spirit. The boy’s father cries out “I believe; help my unbelief!” in response to Jesus commenting on the need for faith. Jesus rewards even imperfect faith by healing the child.
“Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!'” (Mark 9:24)
Matthew 21:18-22 – Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
Jesus curses a fig tree for not having fruit, and it withers. He uses this as an illustration of the power of faith – if they have faith and do not doubt, his disciples can do miraculous things like causing a tree to wither.
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matthew 21:22)
Luke 7:1-10 – The Faith of the Centurion
This passage records Jesus healing the servant of a Roman centurion. Jesus praises the centurion’s faith, which he exhibits by believing Jesus can simply say the word and heal from a distance.
“When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.'” (Luke 7:9)
Galatians 2:20 – Faith in the Son of God
Galatians 2:20 succinctly describes the Christian life – being crucified with Christ and living by faith in the Son of God. Faith unites the believer to Christ in his death and resurrection.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Matthew 8:5-13 – The Healing of the Centurion’s Servant
This passage parallels the Luke 7 account of the Roman centurion who asks Jesus to heal his servant. Once again, Jesus is amazed by the centurion’s faith and rewards it by healing his servant.
“When Jesus heard him, he marveled and said to those who followed him, ‘Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.'” (Matthew 8:10)
Matthew 6:25-34 – Do Not Be Anxious; Have Faith
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells his followers not to be anxious but to trust that God will provide what they need. He calls them to seek God’s kingdom first and not worry. This requires faith in God’s goodness and provision.
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” (Matthew 6:31-32)
Matthew 15:21-28 – The Faith of the Canaanite Woman
A Canaanite woman persistently asks Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus is impressed by her faith and grants her request. Her faith is characterized by humility and perseverance.
“Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.” (Matthew 15:28)
Acts 3:1-10 – Healing the Lame Beggar
Peter heals a lame beggar in Jesus’ name, and tells the gathered crowd it was faith in Jesus that made the man strong. This miracle was an opportunity to testify to the crowds about faith in Christ.
“And his name – by faith in his name – has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:16)
Matthew 9:20-22 – Healed Because of Her Faith
A woman who had been suffering from bleeding for 12 years demonstrates faith that Jesus can heal her by simply touching his garment. Jesus affirms that her faith has made her well.
“And Jesus said to her, ‘Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And instantly the woman was made well.” (Matthew 9:22)
Matthew 9:27-31 – According to Your Faith
Jesus heals two blind men who cry out to him in faith, asking him to have mercy on them. Jesus tells them “according to your faith be it done to you” before healing them.
“Then he touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith be it done to you.'” (Matthew 9:29)
Mark 2:1-12 – Jesus Heals a Paralytic
Jesus heals a paralyzed man brought by his friends. Before physically healing him, Jesus tells the man his sins are forgiven after seeing the faith of his friends. Their faith led to the man’s healing.
“And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.'” (Mark 2:5)
Romans 5:1-2 – Justified by Faith; Access to Grace
Romans 5 discusses many benefits that come with being justified by faith in Jesus, including gaining access to God’s grace. Faith is the gateway to experiencing God’s grace.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)
Romans 10:17 – Faith Comes from Hearing God’s Word
This well-known verse describes how saving faith originates from hearing the message of God’s word. The way to grow in faith is to continually hear and study the Bible.
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
2 Corinthians 5:7 – Walk by Faith, not Sight
2 Corinthians 5 calls believers to walk by faith and not by sight. It contrasts natural human perception with supernatural faith in things not visible to the physical eye.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 – Remembering their Faith, Hope and Love
In commending the Thessalonian church, Paul mentions how he remembers their “work of faith” before God. Faith is meant to produce works, just as hope and love do.
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3)
Additional key Bible verses about faith include: Matthew 14:22-33, Luke 5:1-11, Luke 12:22-31, Acts 11:19-26, Romans 4:18-25, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Ephesians 6:16, Colossians 2:6-7, Hebrews 6:10-12, James 1:5-8, 1 Peter 1:3-9, 1 John 5:4.