We are told in Scripture that we are saved “by grace . . . through faith” (Ephesians 2:8–9); that “the just shall live by faith” (Hebrews 10:38); that it is by faith that we have the “victory that overcometh the world” (I John 5:4); and that “without faith it is impossible to please him [God]” (Hebrews 11:6). There are 56 references to faith in the Old Testament and 280 references to faith in the New Testament (KJV). 

Even with so many Biblical references to faith, it still is sometimes hard to understand and exercise faith in our daily lives. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.” This verse indicates that faith is believing, speaking, and acting in accordance with the hope that we have in Christ as Savior and belief in His promises to us. So, we need to know Jesus and His Word, including His promises, and obey out of a love response to Him, in faith that “God . . . cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). Yet, living by faith is not always easy to do. 

One way to better understand a truth is to contrast it with a deception or a lie. The same is true about faith. Yes, the opposite of faith is unbelief, and unbelief keeps us out of the Kingdom of God. Also, by not believing in Jesus, we remain under “the wrath of God” (John 3:36). Subtle deceptions exist about faith, and one of them is presumption. We may think we are acting in faith when, in fact, we are acting presumptuously. 

Faith is lived out by speaking and doing what God says in His Word. But presumption is sometimes using one’s position with God to speak and do actions that are selfish and self-seeking. Presumption also can be asking God to bless what we want rather than speaking and doing what God wants. 

Faith is an assurance of things hoped for based upon the promises of God that are revealed to us in the Bible and through the personal direction of the Holy Spirit. If God speaks to us about a matter, we are to act in a manner consistent with His Word, whether received as a rhema (“spoken word”) from the Scriptures or from the leading of the Holy Spirit. God’s Word to us gives us the assurance, confidence, and boldness to believe, speak, and act according to His will—even if we do not fully understand why, and even if there is opposition. 

We must value God’s Word over others’ opinions. Through obedience we demonstrate our devotion and commitment to our Savior and Lord Jesus. Our obedience may be one piece of a puzzle that God is putting together in His Kingdom. For example, consider Abraham. He was called to leave his homeland to go where God would tell him, to receive a promise that he never physically saw. Yet, if Abraham had not obeyed in faith, history would be different! 

In Hebrews 11, all the “heroes of faith” mentioned there believed and acted upon a direction or promise of God with an assurance of His presence with them. In contrast, consider the life of Balaam—the prophet started in faith but appears to have been corrupted into presumption through the lusts of this world (see Numbers 23:1–30).

Let us heed the admonition not to “draw back” as that displeases God. Rather, live by faith and “believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:38–39). Be alert to presumption, the subtle counterfeit of faith. Through prayer, a surrendered heart, and a willing spirit, we will hear the voice of God and be able to walk in faith for God’s glory.