Question 296: What is faith as a virtue?

Answer:

Faith as a virtue is the supernatural gift of trusting God—believing His Word, relying on His promises, and entrusting oneself entirely to Jesus Christ. It is both the foundation and the fruit of the Christian life, rooted in grace and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Faith unites me to Christ and leads me to walk in obedience and hope. (Hebrews 11:1, Romans 10:17, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:8–9, 2 Corinthians 5:7)

Full Scripture References

“Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1 (BSB)

“So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” – Romans 10:17 (BSB)

“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” – Galatians 2:20 (BSB)

“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8–9 (BSB)

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Faith as a virtue is not simply belief in facts about God—it is a living trust in God Himself. It rests on His promises, clings to His mercy, and acts upon His Word. Bishop Stephen Andrews (ANiC, Principal of Wycliffe College) explains, “Faith is not just the entrance to salvation; it is the path we walk. It embraces Christ and continues with Him through trial and joy.” (Faith and Formation, 2022)

Faith is both a gift from God and a grace we cultivate. It begins in the hearing of the Word and grows through prayer, worship, and obedience. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) writes, “The virtue of faith is nurtured daily. We strengthen it not by striving to believe harder, but by beholding Christ more clearly.” (Formed by the Word, 2021)

This virtue is essential because it unites us to Jesus. Through faith, we receive justification, spiritual adoption, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Bishop David Epps (CEEC - Anglican, Diocese of the Mid-South) notes, “Faith is the hand that receives Christ. It is the eye that sees grace, and the root that draws life from the cross.” (The Shape of Saving Faith, 2022)

Anglican tradition has always emphasized faith as both personal and communal—professed in the creeds, nourished in the sacraments, and expressed in faithful living. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) writes, “Faith is not mere assent—it is allegiance. It changes how we think, how we speak, and how we endure.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) adds, “Faith looks not inward to measure itself, but outward to the Savior. The power of faith lies not in its strength, but in its object—Jesus Christ.” (The Gift That Endures, 2020)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“Faith is the beginning of salvation, the root of righteousness, and the key to the kingdom of heaven.” – Augustine of Hippo, Sermons on the Gospel of John, c. 400 AD

“Faith is not sight, but it leads to vision. It walks through darkness trusting the light of Christ.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Hebrews, c. 390 AD

“Faith is the soul’s anchor. Without it, we drift with fear and doubt; with it, we are held firm in the storm.” – Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures, c. 350 AD

“He who has faith lives not by the flesh but by the Spirit. For faith opens the heart to receive all the treasures of grace.” – Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, c. 180 AD