Faith is at the core of the Christian life. But what if, on Judgment Day, we discover that the faith we had wasn’t enough? That’s a sobering thought, and one Peter addresses in 2 Peter 1:8–11. If you haven’t read that passage lately, take a moment now. Peter says that possessing and growing in certain qualities makes us fruitful, useful to God, and assured of our place in the eternal kingdom.
Among those qualities, Peter first names faith (v.5)…and that’s where we begin today: What is the faith that saves? How do we get it? And how do we make sure it’s always increasing?
What Is Saving Faith?
When most people think about faith, they turn to Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” That’s true, but verse 6 makes it even clearer: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Saving faith begins by believing God is real and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Real faith goes beyond acknowledgment; it seeks Him with all the heart, soul, and mind.
But there’s more. Jesus said in John 8:24: “Unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Saving faith believes in the Father and in His Son, that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the one sent to redeem the world.
Finally, saving faith is a living faith. James 2 teaches that faith without works is dead. Even demons believe, but they aren’t saved. True faith produces obedience. We’re saved by Christ’s blood (Ephesians 2:8–9), but if we claim belief while refusing to obey, we deceive ourselves.
Faith is foundational. Without it, we won’t obey, won’t change, won’t grow, and ultimately won’t be saved. That’s why Peter urges us to make sure our faith is genuine and growing.
How to Build and Grow Your Faith
Peter tells us that faith must be increasing. But how? Scripture gives us several ways to build and strengthen faith.
1) Consume God’s Word
Romans 10:17 says: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
Faith grows as we saturate ourselves in Scripture… hearing, reading, and meditating on it. In the first century, most Christians didn’t own personal copies of the Bible; they heard it read aloud in worship and in homes. Today, we have Bibles in print, on our phones, and in audio form.
But notice: the verse says faith grows “by the word of Christ,” not by the opinions of men, religious traditions, or commentaries that contradict Scripture. Opening our Bibles reveals fulfilled prophecies, God’s wisdom, and His promises. We learn who God is, who Jesus is, and what He expects of us. We see His faithfulness, and that builds trust.
If you want your faith to grow, spend time in Scripture daily… not out of obligation, but because you want to know your Lord.
2) Obey God
Obedience strengthens faith. In Romans 12:1–2, Paul urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. As we submit to God’s will, we begin to see His wisdom at work in our lives.
Read passages like 1 Corinthians 13 and Galatians 5. At first, God’s way may seem counter to the world’s wisdom. But as you live it out, you begin to see how His ways lead to better relationships, greater peace, and a clearer purpose.
Obedience proves, both to us and to the world, that God’s will is “good and acceptable and perfect.” And as we see His Word validated in real life, our faith grows deeper roots.
3) Surround Yourself with Godly Company
Hebrews 10:23–25 reminds us why assembling with the church matters: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering… and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together… but encouraging one another.”
Faith is strengthened by the encouragement and accountability of spending time with God’s people, not only in the assembly but in daily life. “Iron sharpens iron,” Proverbs 27:17 says.
Christian friends can help us through trials, share godly counsel, and remind us of God’s promises when doubts creep in. So we are wise to surround ourselves with people like Joshua and Caleb, men and women who trust God’s power…and avoid the worldly negativity that weakens faith.
4) Pray Without Ceasing
Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to grow faith. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing,” and Hebrews 4:16 invites us to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace.
Through Christ, we have direct access to the Father. We can talk to Him anytime, bringing our needs, fears, and thanksgivings. And as we pray, our hearts are often transformed…anxieties stilled, perspectives shifted, trust deepened.
Like the apostles in Luke 17:5, we should be praying, “Lord, increase our faith.” Some believers keep prayer journals to track their requests and note how God answers. Looking back becomes a powerful reminder that He hears and provides — and that strengthens faith.
Faith That Saves — and Grows
If you want to know that your faith is real…that it is the faith that saves…look for signs of growth. A living, obedient faith repents, confesses Christ, and obeys the gospel in baptism (Acts 2:38). It keeps seeking, keeps learning, keeps increasing.
If you’ve been baptized but find yourself stagnant, distracted, or distant from God, now is the time to return. Commit to reading His word, obeying it even when hard, surrounding yourself with godly influences, and talking to God daily.
Faith that doesn’t grow will die. But faith that feeds on the Word of God, lives in obedience, thrives in fellowship, and leans on prayer will deepen — until the day you stand before your Lord, confident in the hope He has promised.
“Now is the time to ask, as the apostles did, ‘Lord, increase my faith!’ — and to live in a way that lets Him answer that prayer.”
