Many of us long for a faith that feels real—something authentic that anchors us when everything else seems to shift. We may go to church, read the Bible, and pray, but still feel a restlessness, a desire for something deeper.
The Bible, with its ancient wisdom, offers more than just answers—it provides truths that shape the very core of what it means to live out our faith. But these truths aren’t merely intellectual concepts; they are meant to be lived, to transform us from the inside out.
In Scripture, we find more than rules to follow; we discover a path to genuine, enduring faith. Here are seven biblical truths that, when embraced, can deepen our authentic faith in ways that go beyond the surface, allowing us to experience a life marked by authenticity, growth, and a deeper connection with God.
1. Justification by Faith
At the heart of authentic faith lies a foundational truth: we are justified by faith, not by our own efforts or achievements. This concept can be difficult to grasp in a world that prizes self-sufficiency and rewards based on performance. Yet, the Bible teaches us that our right standing with God comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ, not through anything we can do on our own.
Romans 5:1–2 reminds us, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This peace isn’t something we earn by following the rules perfectly or living a flawless life. It’s a gift, offered freely by God to those who trust in Him. Authentic faith, not works, brings us into a relationship with God where we can rest in the assurance of His grace.
Paul, in Ephesians 2:8–9, makes it clear: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This passage pulls us away from the tendency to think that we can somehow earn God’s favour by being “good enough.” Instead, it refocuses our hearts on the beauty of grace—that unmerited favour God gives us simply because He loves us. It is faith that opens the door to this grace, not our own striving or accomplishments.
In Romans 4:3–5, Paul highlights the story of Abraham, who believed God and had his faith “credited as righteousness.” This example shows us that authentic faith has always been the means by which people enter into a relationship with God. Long before the law was given, faith was the way to righteousness. It’s not about what we do, but about who we trust. Abraham’s story is a reminder that faith has always been, and continues to be, the key to living in right relationship with God.
This truth should give us a profound sense of relief. We don’t have to carry the burden of measuring up to impossible standards. Instead, our authentic faith begins with simply believing—trusting that God’s grace is sufficient, that His love is unconditional, and that our justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
2. Assurance and Confidence in Faith
Another essential truth for deepening our authentic faith is the assurance and confidence that comes with trusting in God. Faith is not merely believing in an abstract idea; it’s a bold trust in the promises of God, even when we cannot see the outcome. The Bible doesn’t just ask us to have faith; it shows us that this faith is the foundation for a life lived with confidence and assurance.
In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells His disciples, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” This passage isn’t about magical power or wishful thinking—it’s about the kind of faith that rests in the certainty of God’s ability and willingness to act. Even the smallest, most fragile faith can move mountains when it is rooted in the unwavering trust that God is who He says He is.
Mark 11:22–25 goes further, where Jesus encourages His followers to “have faith in God,” saying that if we do not doubt, we can believe that what we ask for in prayer will be done. But Jesus adds a key element: forgiveness. Authentic faith and forgiveness are deeply intertwined. As we trust in God’s promises, we are also called to release others from their debts. It’s not just about the power of belief; it’s about the condition of our hearts as we come before God in faith.
In Hebrews 11:1, faith is described as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” This passage reminds us that authentic faith looks beyond the visible world to the eternal promises of God. It is a kind of sight—one that sees what the natural eye cannot. The entire chapter of Hebrews 11 showcases examples of those who lived by faith, often without seeing the fulfilment of God’s promises in their lifetime, yet they believed. Their faith gave them confidence to persevere, even when the way seemed unclear.
The assurance and confidence that come with faith allow us to stand firm, not because we always understand God’s ways, but because we trust His heart. Authentic faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about believing in the One who does. With this kind of faith, we can face life’s uncertainties knowing that God is faithful, even when we cannot yet see His hand at work.
3. Trials and Perseverance in Faith
One of the most challenging, yet transformative, truths of authentic faith is the role that trials play in deepening it. It’s a paradox that seems hard to embrace:
“Wouldn’t hardship and suffering shake our faith?”
Yet, the Bible consistently teaches that trials are not just an inevitable part of life but a refining process through which our faith is tested, purified, and made more authentic.
In 1 Peter 1:6–9, we’re told to rejoice, “though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” Why? Because “these have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Trials have a way of revealing what is truly in our hearts. They strip away the superficial layers, forcing us to rely on God in ways we wouldn’t otherwise. It’s in the midst of suffering that our faith is tested and proven to be authentic, just as gold is refined in fire to remove impurities.
James takes it even further in James 1:2-3, where he writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James is not asking us to celebrate the pain itself but to recognise that something deeper is happening within us. Through trials, authentic faith develops perseverance—a steadfastness that allows us to endure hardship, not by our own strength, but by trusting more fully in God. Each trial we face is an opportunity to deepen our dependence on Him.
Perseverance in faith doesn’t mean simply surviving the storm—it means growing stronger through it. When we endure trials with faith, our focus shifts from the “why” to the “who”—we stop asking why we are suffering and start leaning into who God is. Authentic faith doesn’t crumble under the weight of trials; instead, it becomes more resilient, knowing that every hardship is an invitation to draw closer to God, trusting that He is at work even when life feels out of control.
4. Seeking God and His Wisdom
An authentic faith isn’t one that relies solely on our own understanding. In fact, one of the key truths for deepening our faith is learning to seek God’s wisdom rather than trusting in our own limited perspective. The Bible encourages us to approach God with a heart that is eager to learn, to seek His wisdom, and to draw closer to Him in the process.
James 1:5 offers this remarkable promise: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” There’s a profound humility in admitting that we don’t have all the answers. True wisdom comes not from our intellect, education, or life experience, but from God Himself. The beauty of this promise is that God doesn’t withhold His wisdom—He gives it freely and generously to those who seek Him. Asking for wisdom is an act of authentic faith, acknowledging that we need His guidance, especially in moments of confusion or uncertainty.
But what does this wisdom look like? James 3:17 tells us that “the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” This is not the wisdom of the world, which often seeks self-interest and pride. God’s wisdom is marked by purity and peace. It shapes the way we approach others, guiding us toward mercy, patience, and humility. Authentic faith seeks this kind of wisdom—not just to make decisions, but to live in a way that reflects God’s character.
Seeking God’s wisdom is also about drawing near to Him. James 4:8 reminds us, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” It’s not just about getting answers or direction—it’s about relationship. As we seek God for wisdom, we are simultaneously drawing closer to Him, building a deeper and more intimate connection. The process of seeking transforms us, leading us to a place of trust where we rely not on our own understanding but on the guidance and presence of God Himself.
5. Gifts from God
Another important truth for deepening our authentic faith is recognising that every good thing we have comes from God. In a world where we are often taught to take credit for our successes and achievements, the Bible reminds us that the true source of all blessings is not our own effort, but God’s gracious provision.
James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” This verse paints a beautiful picture of God as the unchanging giver of all good things. Every talent, every opportunity, every bit of joy and peace we experience comes from Him. Authentic faith acknowledges this truth, cultivating a heart of gratitude and humility. We are not self-made; we are deeply dependent on the gifts that flow from God’s hand.
Understanding that every good gift comes from God shifts how we approach life. It turns moments of pride into moments of praise, where we recognise that what we have is not by our own doing. It also stirs within us a sense of stewardship. The gifts we receive—whether material blessings, talents, or opportunities—are not just for our own benefit, but for the glory of God and the service of others. Authentic faith not only receives God’s gifts with thanksgiving but seeks to use them in ways that reflect His character and purpose.
6. Prayer and Worship
An authentic faith is deeply rooted in prayer and worship, both of which are vital to maintaining a genuine connection with God. Prayer is not just about asking for things; it’s a way of communicating with God, expressing our hearts, and seeking His will. Worship, on the other hand, is the act of turning our attention away from ourselves and toward the majesty and goodness of God.
In James 5:13, we’re instructed, “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” This simple verse speaks to the breadth of human experience—whether in times of trial or joy, our response should always be to turn to God. In moments of trouble, prayer becomes the lifeline that connects us to the One who can offer comfort and peace. And in moments of happiness, worship allows us to express our gratitude and awe for all that God has done.
Prayer and worship are not merely spiritual practices—they are acts of trust. When we pray, we acknowledge our dependence on God, trusting Him with our needs, fears, and desires. Worship, too, is an expression of authentic faith, as it draws us into deeper awareness of who God is. In both prayer and worship, we are reminded that our faith is not a passive belief, but a dynamic relationship with a living God who is deeply involved in every aspect of our lives.
7. Living by Faith
The final truth for deepening our authentic faith is perhaps the most challenging: living by faith. Faith is not just something we believe in our hearts—it’s something we must actively live out in our daily lives. The Bible calls us not only to hear the Word but to do what it says, reflecting our faith in our actions and choices.
James 1:22 reminds us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Authentic faith is more than intellectual assent or religious ritual. It’s a lifestyle, a way of living that reflects the truths we profess. We can’t claim to have faith if our lives don’t reflect its reality. Whether it’s in how we treat others, how we handle challenges, or how we steward the blessings God has given us, our actions must align with our beliefs.
James goes further in James 2:18, challenging us: “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” It’s not that our deeds save us, but rather that authentic faith naturally produces good works. James 2:8 speaks of the “royal law found in Scripture: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'” If we claim to have faith, that faith should manifest in love—love for God and love for those around us. Faith without action is, as James 2:26 tells us, dead.
Paul echoes this truth in Romans 10:8–11, where he emphasises that faith is both belief and confession. “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Authentic faith is not just something we internalise; it is something we confess and live out. Living by faith means that our belief in Christ changes how we live, how we speak, and how we interact with the world.
Living by faith isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s a journey of daily surrender, allowing our faith to shape our actions in ways that reflect God’s love and truth. Authentic faith doesn’t stay hidden in our hearts; it becomes visible in the way we live.
Conclusion
Authentic faith, at its core, isn’t a checklist of things to believe or do. It’s a living, breathing relationship that stretches across all of life—one that grows deeper the more we engage with God. The seven biblical truths we’ve explored show that authentic faith is dynamic, not something static or formulaic. It is both something we believe and something we live out, and it often deepens in the face of life’s uncertainties.
But here’s the insight: authentic faith starts with God, yet it invites our response. God, in His grace, initiates—He justifies, He gives, He guides. But He also calls us to respond in trust, action, and perseverance. The more we seek Him, the more we are transformed by the relationship we cultivate with Him. The truths we’ve examined—justification, perseverance, wisdom, and more—aren’t achievements we check off, but pathways that God opens for us, asking us to walk alongside Him.
Maybe the real challenge is to stop striving for a faith that looks “perfect” and instead embrace one that is alive, growing, and rooted in trust. Authentic faith isn’t about having all the answers or arriving at a final destination—it’s about living a life that leaves room for God to continually shape us, challenge us, and deepen our walk with Him.
Authentic faith is lived in the everyday moments—in the prayers we lift, the decisions we make, and the trust we extend even when the way forward isn’t clear. That’s the kind of faith that not only transforms us but draws us closer to the heart of God. The question is, are we ready to step into that kind of faith?
About New Covenant Community
New Covenant Community Church is a non-denominational church based in Sentul, Malaysia. Our church family strives to love Jesus more, connect people to God and to reconnect the disconnected. Whether you are looking for a church, want to know some new friends or get connected with people, we are the place to be. Drop us a message or visit us on Sunday at Sentul Boulevard, Kuala Lumpur.