Different Kinds of Faith in Christianity

There are different kinds of faith being applied in christianity towards God.

There is faith in Jesus Christ for salvation without works.

There is faith in God's Providence to provide for His saints which requires works in setting an example for other believes to follow. That is what James was talking about in chapter 2. James's reference to Abraham & Isaac was about faith in God providing as the story goes.

Genesis 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.....13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.

Jehovahjireh means God provides for His saints and that name of the place is the testimony of God in being that Provider and Abraham's faith in Him to do so.

So faith without works is about applying faith in God's Providence by example. It cannot be about faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, because paul testified otherwise.

Romans 4:1What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Paul testified that there is no other gospel, and in that same book, he was offered the right hand of fellowship with James & others so that means they had both spoken the same thing.

Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Galatians 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

So James was not talking about faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, but he was talking about faith in God's Providence that if a church professes so to the departing poor, the church should lead by example because that church was sending the poor away empty-handed after having received the bounty from cheerful givers that God had raised up to provide for the church in ministry which included meeting the immediate needs of the poor that are perishing from the elements and starvation. James was addressing a church's abuse & neglect of the poor that were verbalizing their faith to the poor which would not "profit" the poor" nor "save" the poor from the elements and starvation. When the church is unwilling to show that faith in God's Providence to the church by meeting the poor's immediate needs, then that faith in God's Providence is dead since the church was unwilling to lead by example in James 2nd chapter.

Paul cites how we are saved without works again and yet reminded that maintaining works are profitable unto men as being separate from the faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

So read James 2nd chapter again with His help at this link below to see what kind of faith James was talking about for his words to line up with the gospel and the rest of the scripture in the N.T. because James was never talking about the faith in Jesus Christ for salvation needing works, but verbalizing faith in God's Providence requires a church to lead by example..

Bible Gateway passage: James 2 - King James Version

101G said:

GINOLJC, to all, there is only one thing missing in this topic. let's reveal it, statement, Ephesians 4:5 "One Lord, one faith, one baptism". if it's one faith, then what's the problem?

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That one faith is connected to that one baptism with the Holy Spirit at salvation when believing in Jesus Christ. That is teh faith in Jesus Christ FOR salvation. Ephesians 4:4-6 is NOT talking about how a saved believer applies faith in God to provide.

The kind of faith that is applied to Jesus Christ as our Saviour for salvation is NOT the same as applying you faith in God to provide. Even in application; once applied faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, salvation has been received. Not so with applying faith in God to provide since it is continuous when applying faith in God to provide for now and to be applied again the next time one find himself or herself needing God to provide.

So there is only one kind of faith for our salvation and that is when you first believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and that God raised Him from the dead, you are saved. You are not in the process of being saved. You are saved so you CAN tell others the Good News that Jesus Christ is the Saviour.

BUT when verbalizing your faith in God to provide, it is continuous as it requires in the eyes of others to lead by example.

Like say, that persecuting faith healing movement that has swept some churches. The pastor would demand that only faith is required for any one that is sick or dying to be healed, and of course, some suffer needlessly and even death has fallen on them for doing so, but when the pastor gets sick or dying and he intentionally goes to the hospital or doctor to get well, that is an example of not leading by example of applying faith in God to heal. In the eyes of the church, that pastor's faith in God to heal is dead when failing to lead by example. So in that same voice when applying faith in God to provide, the church's faith in God's Providence is dead in the eyes of the poor.

So there are different kinds of faith application in christianity but the faith that is required for salvation, there is only one faith and that is by believing in Jesus Christ by Whom many received the promise of the Spirit and thus eternal life.

answer growth of that one faith. scripture, 2 Peter 1:5 "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge"... ect.. so we need to GROW our Faith, how? answer, Ephesians 4:11-15 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ".

so we must "GROW UP", how? answer IN HIM. the apostle Paul said, 1 Corinthians 13:11 "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things". so let's grow in understanding. let's start with James chapter 2. many have the problem with Faith and Works. let's make it as simple as possible. there is no works that can save you, but once save you should show your salvation by your works. a worldly example. one cannot just walk up on a job and start working and expecting a paycheck at the end of the week without first getting hired. see how it works. you get hired first then work and get paid. one is called/hired by God first, then one work, not for salvation, but work in LOVE. supportive scripture, 2 Timothy 1:9 "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began". not OUR WORKS, but his work, and what is his work, "TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER", hence we know that you're in Christ. Galatians 3:26 "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus". and what is the work of God, scripture, John 6:29 "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent". let's see this WORK in ACTION, 1 Thessalonians 1:3 "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father". Gill's commentary: "love is a laborious grace when in lively exercise".

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Salvation and discipleship are two different things. Salvation in Jesus Christ has reconciled us to God, but maintaining that reconciled relationship with God is by faith in Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd to help us to follow Him, so even there, believers are to rely on Jesus Christ for all things. We need to trust him to help us build on that foundation and not sow t the works of the flesh where one can reap corruption, because God will judge what has been built on that foundation. The works thereon will go through the fire, and if nothing remains but the foundation, the believer is still saved because that foundation remains BUT the consequences is not just the loss of rewards of crowns, but of becoming a castaway at the pre trib rapture event... as in.. excommunicated from attending the Marriage Supper for not repenting from iniquity with His help & His discernment when trusting Him as our Good Shepherd. That is why Jesus warns believers a lot about being ready or else.. so that by prayer in relying on Him as our Good Shepherd, He will have us ready & keep us ready by abiding in Him & His words as His disciples to be taken when the Bridegroom comes for the abiding bride.

2 Corinthians 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

1 Corinthians 3:10-17, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27;Hebrews 12th chapter; & 1 Peter 4:17-19 are at this link to read for why we need to trust Jesus as our Good shepherd in getting us ready by abiding in Him and His words as kept in the King James Bible.

Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 3:10-17, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12, 1 Peter 4:17-19 - King James Version

So discipleship is separated from salvation as those unrepentant saints left behind and even the former believers are still His as they will be received later on after the great tribulation, but if any one desires that glory that comes with our salvation, then they need to turn to Jesus now and trust Him as their Good Shepherd to destroy the works of the devil in their lives to help them walk in the light of living that reconciled relationship with God thru Jesus Christ.

See the hope we have in Jesus Christ in being our Good Shepherd and apply the faith in Him as our Good Shepherd in having us ready to go as you read 1 John 3:3,8;2 timothy 4:18;Philippians 1:6-11;Jude 1:24-25 at the link below.

Bible Gateway passage: 1 John 3:3, 1 John 3:8, 2 Timothy 4:18, Philippians 1:6-11, Jude 24-25 - King James Version

twinc said:

so we see here as also elsewhere exactly as Jesus foretold that all this long winded stuff because it is very difficult if not impossible to simply simply believe - long winded includes the Bible[Jn.20:31] - twinc

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The long winded stuff is needed because His words needs to be applied to opposing long winded stuff in reproving all the long winded stuff in it.

But the gospel is simple that little children are free to come to Him when all they can do is trust the Lord at His words. Unless we become as a child, we shall in no wise enter therein at the pre trib rapture event.

Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Hebrews 11:6 But 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.

So believe in Him as your Saviour that you are saved and believe in Him as your Good Shepherd to help you follow Him by abiding in Him & His words of the KJV as His disciple in living this reconciled relationship with God thru Jesus Christ.

101G said:

GINOLJC, to JesusIsFaithful. first thanks for the response. second, I'll make it short. the Lord Jesus stated, "Where is your Faith".

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To know what Jesus was talking about; you have to read that in context, but per one example, it can be about trusting Jesus to take care of them since He was with them at the time He had said that after resolving their fears like calming the storm at sea.

I do not think there was any incident where He was referring to believing in Him for eternal life though where He had said "Where is your faith?"

Question: was that father asking Jesus for help in believing in Him for salvation or was the father asking for help in wanting to believe that He could do something to help his child?

Mark 9:21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

The father can't be asking Him to help him believe in Him for eternal life yet when He has not died, and risen for sinners to be saved by Him when believing in Him. So the father was asking for help for his child as well as his help to believe Jesus can do something for his child. So the father was asking for help to believe that He can help his child be delivered from this affliction.

So a lot of people believe that Jesus Christ existed, but not every one that believe about Jesus Christ, believe in Him, and some believe in Him, but in Islam, what do they believe in Jesus Christ for, because it is not for salvation?

So how we believe and how we apply our faith in God and what we apply that faith for defines what kind of faith or belief we are talking about.

But in regards to salvation, there is only one faith as linked to one Lord as linked to one baptism with the Holy Ghost as linked to one hope of our calling. These all define the faith & the belief that is only referring to the faith & belief in Jesus Christ for salvation.

"ByGrace" said:

I don't think we are called to 'have faith in Christianity" , or to have faith in any church, or to have faith in any church leaders...all, at sometime or another will let us down.
( Ps 118 "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." , " It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes." )

Jesus simply said- " Have faith in GOD ,... not other things or people." ...
( " And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.")

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True, but to clarify and remind the readers, it is about the different kinds of faith in Christianity so as to clarify the faith in Jesus Christ for salvation as opposing the other kind of applications of faith in God for that He does for believers in christianity as in.. in their reconciled relationship with God thru their walk with Jesus Christ in this life..

twinc said:

yes but indifferentism i.e.that one denomination is as good as another is not acceptable or accepted it seems - twinc

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God had addressed 7 churches in the Book of Revelations with five needing corrections or else punishment was coming while two of them were encouraged and exhorted to hold fast. So there is no such thing as a perfect church or there being a one true church.

Discipleship will involve pruning that disciple which bears fruit so that he can bear more fruit. So churches as well as denomenations can go through that too, and should take time out to discern and reconfirm everything they are practicing as supported by scripture and dump church practices whenever scripture opposes that church teaching or tradition even in the slightest just to play it safe in respect to the Father and His will. All any one needs to do is trust Jesus Christ as their Good Shepherd to discern and prove everything by Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.25 Brethren, pray for us.

John 15:1I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

We are not to defend the church nor our denomenation since we are to prove everything by Him to defend the faith in Jesus Christ.

101G said:

to ByGrace. Correct, and perfect "I don't think we are called to 'have faith in Christianity" , or to have faith in any church, or to have faith in any church leaders...all, at sometime or another will let us down.
( Ps 118 "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." , " It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes." )". couldn't have said it better.

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I agree with you on this point since we are to prove everything by Him which includes favorite pastors on television and the church traditions too.

Presently, I am not placing any faith nor confidence in men; not even in myself, and I have the Lord Jesus Christ to thank for that.

But the OP is not addressing placing faith in men in christianity, but pointing out the different kinds of faith that believers refer to and apply in christianity in reference to expectations from Jesus Christ as God, whether it be for salvation or for everyday cares of life and the crisis within them.