There are several variations of “faith” noted in the Bible. Often, one’s faith is deficient and not satisfactory to God: “little faith” (Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8), failing faith (Luke 22:32), useless faith (John 12:42), erring faith (1 Timothy 6:21), weak faith (Romans 14:1), vain faith (1 Corinthians 15:2, 17), lacking faith (1 Thessalonians 3:10), devilish faith (James 2:19), “faith only” (James 2:24) or dead faith (James 2:14-26). Commendable faith with which God is pleased is described in Scripture, too: “great faith” (Matthew 8:10), saving faith (Luke 5:20; 7:50), “precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1), living faith (Hebrews 10:38), joyous faith (Philippians 1:25), grounded faith (Colossians 1:23), “common faith” (Titus 1:4), working faith (1 Thessalonians 1:3), patient faith (James 1:3), unwavering faith (James 1:6) or “holy faith” (Jude 20).
Summarized, one needs enough faith to lead him or her to obey God (Hebrews 11:4-40). For everyone living today, valid Christian faith must include professing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 10:32; John 8:24), but more than acknowledging Jesus Christ is necessary to successfully pass the Judgment Seat of Christ to go into the heavenly city (Matthew 7:21-23). Biblical faith is obedient faith (Romans 1:5; 16:26). One must obey the Gospel (Romans 10:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17). Obeying the Gospel includes exercising enough faith to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. “He who believes [has faith] and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16 NKJV).
