Ephesians 2:8…3:17…6:16…how can I distinguish “faith” from “the faith”? Thanks and God bless. Bro. Gabriel “Bhong” Policarpio
Ephesians 2:8 has the word “faith” in the Greek without the definite article, “the.” Ephesians 3:17 and 6:16 have the definite article “the” preceding the word “faith” in the Greek. Occasions where the definite article “the” precedes the word “faith,” it is generally conceded that “the faith” refers to the system of faith otherwise known as the Gospel or the New Testament. It is not, though, as easily discerned on occasions where the definite article “the” does not precede the word “faith” whether one’s personal faith is meant or if the system of faith, the Gospel, is intended.
However, we may make too much of a distinction between personal faith that derives from the system of faith (the Gospel) and the system of faith itself. One’s personal faith is not operable without reliance upon and issuing forth from the system of faith. Likewise, the system of faith profits a person not at all until from it springs one’s personal faith because of it; the system of faith is not operable in our lives until it manifests itself in our personal faith.
Consider, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). If “faith” here refers to personal faith (and it may really refer to the system of faith), still personal faith is only operable in its relationship to the system of faith. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17); biblical faith is not a blind leap in the dark, but it is based on biblical evidence.
Consider also, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by [the] faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love” (Ephesians 3:17) and “Above all, taking the shield of [the] faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16). In both of these instances, the system of faith (Gospel) is inoperable until taken as one’s own and manifested as personal faith.
Essentially, to speak of the one is to speak of the other. Second Corinthians 5:7 might be perplexing if we insist on making a clear distinction between one’s personal faith and the system of faith: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” One’s personal faith isn’t anything unless it is the manifestation of the system of faith.
