Now faith is the substance [realization] of things hoped for, the evidence [sign] of things not seen -Hebrews 11:1.

Faith is something that everyone has; it may be positive or negative, but it is still faith. Faith is something we can’t see, but we believe, although we can’t see it or feel it. Before a person is saved, they may have vain faith or belief in the wrong doctrine.

Doctrinal Faith – Called “the faith” refers to the content of Christian belief (Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints – Jude Verse 3).

When Jude speaks of “common salvation”, he refers to the unity all believers have in Christ. Earnestly contend means Christians are not called to passive service but to vigilance in the cause of Christ. Faith here does not have its usual sense of personal belief in Christ for salvation here, it means the body of teaching passed down in the church by the apostles. Pastors and spiritual leaders preach and teach what has been passed down and what they have learned and are given by revelation by the Spirit of God of the written Word of God.

Saving Faith – Is trusting in Jesus Christ and Him alone for salvation (And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house – Acts 16:31). Salvation only comes through Jesus; no other person can forgive our sins and make us be in right standing with the Father, and in turning the wrath of God from us. Saving faith will grant you and your household salvation; God has always been concerned about the family unit. No matter how long you have been praying for an unsaved spouse, children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, keep praying, and keep believing God’s Word will not return to Him void. It’s in His Word, the Bible, and He will bring it to pass.

Justifying Faith – Is the believer’s reliance on the fact that God has declared him righteous (But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness – Romans 4:5). God gives righteousness to those who believe. The person who does not work, who comes to God by faith alone without having performed rituals or followed Jewish laws, will be counted righteous. We can’t receive salvation or merit with God with our works; it’s through faith in Him and His Son, Jesus. Believers are justified by their faith (Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ – Romans 5:1). Justified by faith was God’s doing, not man’s. This is not a feeling but a standing where God and the believer are no longer at enmity but have been reconciled. This is a primary result of our justification that we can come directly into the presence of God. Jesus Christ is not only our Redeemer, but He is also our Advocate. By Him, we gain entrance and acceptance before the Father.

Indwelling Faith – Is trusting God’s Word in and through us (I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me – Galatians 2:20). Every believer were crucified with Christ to die to sin, the law, and “this present evil age.” While believers live on physically, Christ also lives within them spiritually. Christ’s resurrection power through the Spirit is worked out through the Christian who chooses to live by faith in the Son of God. Jesus also told the believers if they would keep His commandments, both He and His Father would live in them. Meaning Christ is in their hearts, and God is in their spirit to bring about a spiritual change in them. The life they now live is in faith in the Father and Son.

Gift of Faith – This is a special ability of faith, resulting in a vision of what God can do. Faith is the means by which we can achieve that vision and the power of God to get answers to prayers. Gift of faith is the manifesting of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. It’s believing that there is nothing too hard for God. It’s knowing what is impossible with man is possible with God.

The gift of faith is faith to receive a miracle. Daniel, when placed in the lion’s den, had faith that God would deliver him. The three Hebrew boys, when they were placed in the fiery furnace, had faith that God would deliver them.

The gift of faith was in operation used for supernatural sustenance in times of famine, as in the case of Elijah, whom the ravens fed. Elijah’s faith had to be given to him supernaturally because it was beyond the Word of God even to believe that ravens would feed him. But they brought food to him morning and night. Mary had faith to receive the gift of having our Lord and Savior when she was a virgin. She believed what the angel told her would happen. She had faith to believe that God would take care of her because of her giving birth to a child without being married, and was espoused to Joseph. In that dispensation, women were stoned to death if they got pregnant without marriage. Also, she was considered an adulteress because she was espoused to one man. She had to have had supernatural faith to say yes, they will be done, Lord!