Does the word faith appear more times in the Old or New Testament?

Faith is an intriguing concept, and it’s fascinating how it unfolds in the two main parts of the Bible. While it appears a measly two times in the Old Testament—once in Habakkuk and once in the Psalms—the New Testament takes a deep dive, where "faith" becomes foundational to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

Over 240 instances of “faith” scattered throughout the New Testament paint a vivid picture of its importance in early Christianity. Paul especially bathed his letters in this theme, discussing how faith is essential for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9) and even linking it to love (Galatians 5:6).

While the Old Testament does spotlight great figures exhibiting unwavering trust in God, they often spoke of hope and a personal relationship rather than a conceptualization of faith as defined in the New Testament. Think about Abraham’s journey! His trust in God’s promise laid the groundwork for faith as more than belief; it became a powerful act of trust and commitment.

Fun fact: The Greek word translated as "faith" is "pistis," which can also mean trust or belief—a nuance that opens up richer discussions on our connection with the divine. So next time you think about faith, remember not only its prevalence in the New Testament but also how it evolved from seeds planted in the soils of the Old Testament. What a splendid journey from the ancient practices to canvas of love and salvation seen in the New!