Is faith a wholly voluntary act?

[MoreCoffee]

No Christian is likely to dispute that God knows who believes and who does not.

 

[popsthebuilder]

This conversation doesn't seem to be moving forward.

We see through scripture that faith is a gift and that it is the will of GOD for all to come into faith.

I personally verify what scripture says; my faith was not of my own doing. It was a gift that I am, and always will be exceedingly grateful for.

Maybe that can move it along some.

Humbly, peace

 

[rstrats]

Consider these words from the holy scriptures But without faith, it is impossible to please God. For whoever approaches God must believe that he exists...

For the purpose of this topic does that mean that faith and belief are the same thing?

 

[MoreCoffee]

For the purpose of this topic does that mean that faith and belief are the same thing?

In Greek faith and belief are the same word, they both come from pistis (the Greek word for belief/faith). In English Faith is thought of as trust & belief mixed with emphasis on trust while belief is mainly seen as acceptance of a thing as true without necessarily implying trust. So when you read the holy scriptures keep in mind that faith and belief both mean belief & imply trust but not always because even demons believe (have faith) but they do not obey and probably do not trust God.

 

[Lucian]

because even demons believe (have faith) but they do not obey and probably do not trust God.

Trust God in regards to what?