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Amen even the definition of Greek words that are translated to the English words faith, believe, and believer all imply a certain level of trustworthiness, faithfulness, fidelity, and loyalty. The problem is there are no English words that fully encompasses the definitions of the Greek words used.
believe
G4100
Lemma:
πιστεύω
Transliteration:
pisteúō
Pronounce:
pist-yoo'-o
Part of Speech:
Verb
Language:
greek
Description:
1) to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in a) of the thing believed
1) to credit, have confidence b) in a moral or religious reference
1) used in the NT of the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul
2) to trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something: saving faith
3) mere acknowledgment of some fact or event: intellectual faith
2) to entrust a thing to one, i.e. his fidelity a) to be intrusted with a thing
believers
G4103
Lemma:
πιστός
Transliteration:
pistós
Pronounce:
pis-tos'
Part of Speech:
Adjective
Language:
greek
Description:
1) trusty, faithful a) of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties b) one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust c) that can be relied on
2) easily persuaded a) believing, confiding, trusting b) in the NT one who trusts in God's promises
1) one who is convinced that Jesus has been raised from the dead
2) one who has become convinced that Jesus is the Messiah and author of salvation
faith
G4102
Lemma:
πίστις
Transliteration:
pístis
Pronounce:
pis'-tis
Part of Speech:
Noun Feminine
Language:
greek
Description:
1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it a) relating to God
1) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ b) relating to Christ
1) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God c) the religious beliefs of Christians d) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same
2) fidelity, faithfulness a) the character of one who can be relied on
I believe there are instances where the word "belief" or "believe" simply means "belief' as we understand that word today. James says he will show you his faith (belief) by his works (James 2:18), for even the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19). It is hard to imagine that demons have the kind of belief that involves any kind of loyalty. So I do see that belief does play a part in how we are initially and ultimately saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 even says this (i.e. a "belief in the truth" is a part of salvation). But 2 Thessalonians 2:13 also says that the Sanctification of the Spirit also plays a part in salvation, too.
In fact, believing in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection is the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). This is essential to our salvation. Granted, we also have to OBEY the gospel (Which is a part of salvation), too (1 Thessalonians 1:8-9) (Romans 6:3-11). But both believing in God's grace through faith in Christ, and Sanctification play a part in the salvation process. For it was by faith that men of GOD were able to do certain kinds of works for GOD in Hebrews 11. Works of faith are a by product of a true faith.
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