What Does It Mean to Live a Faithful Life According to Scripture?

Jan 145 min read

Introduction

The concept of living a faithful life according to Scripture is central to the Christian faith. It is a call to align one's actions, thoughts, and desires with the will of Jehovah as revealed in the inspired, inerrant Word of God. The Bible presents faithfulness as an unwavering commitment to obedience, a pursuit of righteousness, and a trust in the promises of God, coupled with a steadfast reliance on His guidance through His Spirit-inspired Scriptures. This exploration examines the biblical definition and application of faithfulness, grounding every assertion in the historical-grammatical interpretation of Scripture.

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The Nature of Faithfulness: Obedience and Trust

Faithfulness begins with an understanding of the covenantal relationship between God and humanity. This covenant requires belief, obedience, and commitment. In Deuteronomy 7:9, the Scriptures declare, "Know therefore that Jehovah your God is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations." Here, faithfulness is described as a reciprocal relationship where God's unwavering loyalty to His promises calls for the believer’s obedience.

The necessity of obedience is emphasized throughout Scripture. In Ecclesiastes 12:13, Solomon concludes, "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Faithfulness to Jehovah is not merely intellectual assent but active obedience to His Word. Jesus reinforced this principle when He stated, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Obedience is both the evidence of faith and the means by which one demonstrates love for God.

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The Role of Faith in Salvation

Faithfulness is inseparable from the process of salvation, which involves knowledge, belief, repentance, obedience, and baptism. This process is outlined in Romans 10:14-17, where Paul explains, "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Faith begins with knowledge of God's Word and grows through a response to its teachings.

Faith without works is dead, as James unequivocally states: "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:14, 17). True faith manifests in action, which includes repentance and baptism. Peter declared on the day of Pentecost, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). This response of obedience marks the beginning of a faithful life.

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Faithfulness in Daily Living

Living faithfully is not limited to a one-time act of obedience but encompasses a lifelong journey of sanctification. Paul exhorts believers to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12-13). Sanctification is the process of growing in holiness, conforming more closely to the image of Christ through the transformative power of God's Word.

Daily faithfulness requires resisting sin and striving for righteousness. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, Christians are commanded, "As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" This pursuit of holiness involves rejecting the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) and cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Such a life reflects a heart fully devoted to God.

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Challenges and Perseverance in Faithfulness

Faithfulness is tested in the face of life's difficulties, but these hardships are not sent by Jehovah to refine or test His people. James 1:13 affirms, "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one." Instead, challenges arise due to the fallen nature of the world, and the faithful believer must rely on God’s Word for strength and guidance.

The apostle Paul exemplifies perseverance in faithfulness, declaring, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). This enduring commitment requires continual study of Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Hebrews 10:23-25 encourages, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

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The Hope of Eternal Reward

The ultimate reward for faithfulness is eternal life. Paul reminds believers of this promise: "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day" (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Faithfulness is not in vain, for God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

Conclusion

Living a faithful life according to Scripture is a journey marked by belief, obedience, and perseverance. It requires adherence to the commands of Jehovah, trust in His promises, and a commitment to grow in holiness through the transformative power of His Word. Faithfulness is not only the evidence of salvation but also the means by which believers glorify God and secure the hope of eternal life. By following the example of Christ and the teachings of Scripture, Christians can confidently pursue a life of faithfulness, assured of God's faithfulness in return.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).