Introduction to Doctrine 5 - Failure of Faith

"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God." (Romans 4:20)

There are six NewTestament expressions that trace the decline of faith in an individual. Before a person is saved, he may have:
1) "vain faith" or belief in the wrong doctrine (1 Cor. 15:14-17); or
2) "dead faith" or belief in orthodox doctrine without personal belief in Christ. (James 2:19-20).
After a person is saved, he can experience the following varieties of faith:
1) a kind of unbelief-experienced by believers who fail to accept the whole work of Christ (Mark 16:11-14);
2) "little faith"-a mixture of faith and unbelief (Mark 7:26);
3) "weak faith"-referring to belief expressed as mere legalism (14:1); or
4) "strong faith"-faith that is rooted in the promises of God. (Rom. 4:20)
Illustration: As Christians mature, they should grow in faith. This was the experience of Abraham. Early in his pilgrimage with God, he could not trust God to protect him in Egypt. This was weak in faith (Gen. 12:10-20). He was later able to trust God, in sacrificing his son Isaac. This was strong faith (Heb. 11:17-19).
Application: The Christian life is a continual growing adventure in faith. (also see Romans 8:16)