Faith and belief are commonly interchangeable terms. In the Bible, the words mean not just an acknowledgement but rather confidence, trust, and obedience. In fact, many modern translations use the words interchangeably (ex. John 3:36). Even God Himself substituted the word obey with believe (Numbers 20:12). Without faith we cannot please God, yet faith only will not save either.
| Numbers 20:7-12 |
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying...Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water;...Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod...Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe[obey] Me...you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them." |
| Hebrews 11:6 |
But
without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he
who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. |
| James 2:24,26 |
You
see then that a man is justified by works, and not by
faith only.... 26 For as the body without the
spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead
also. |
| Mark 1:15 |
and
saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at
hand. Repent, and believe in the
gospel." |
| Mark 16:16 |
He who believes and is baptized
will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. |
| John 3:36 (NAS) |
...he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. |
| John 3:36 (NKJV) |
...he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. |
|