The emergence of Christianity

Considering the faith of Christians, they have faith that God is real even though they have not seen God personally. When studying Hebrews 11, the stories of individuals who knew God are narrated. As such, Hebrews 11 is about their stories and the impact they bring in the growth of our faith today (Hurtado 311). When reading the stories of men who knew God, it is evident that faith is about what they believed in and more than just having the legitimate beliefs. Faith in the old testament The word ‘Faith’ has been used only twice in the old testament. ’’ Another example is in (Deuteronomy 7:9) which states ‘’Know therefore that the Lord thy God is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him.

’’ Sometimes the words used with reference to men are in a wide sense. For instance, (Proverbs 13:17) says ‘’a faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. ’’ This being only one example, the word has been used in the old testament 13 times. It has been used with reference to the relation of man to God, to the manifestation of Gods grace unto saving the heart of sinners. Moreover, it is the salvation of God alone. All persons are engrafted into Christ by faith. It is through the spirit that all persons become united to Him, that is, the bond that makes one body with Him. It is through our redemption, forgiveness, righteousness, wisdom, sanctification and eternal life that our salvation is in Christ.

Therefore, to obtain all these, every individual is entitled to become one plant with Him. However, the significance of faith comes into a clearer focus as the promise is fulfilled in the living Redeemer. The eyes of the saints in the Old Testament were directed in hope and expectations to the Christ coming. On the other hand, the life of the church in the New Testament is in the Word Incarnate Himself. Hope is predominant in the Old Testament. Therefore, the difference only comes in how the terms have been used. pp. –89, doi:10. Stewart, D. R. “The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Books of the Bible.