Faith is central to the relationship between God and humanity, as described in the Scriptures. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This means faith goes beyond what we can perceive with our senses or deduce through our reasoning. It is a trust in God and His promises, even when they are not immediately evident.

In 1 Corinthians 2:14, it is written, “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” This suggests that knowledge of God and spiritual truths transcends human wisdom and understanding, requiring a heart and mind opened by faith.

Furthermore, faith is essential for salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Here, faith is depicted as a gift that enables individuals to grasp the grace of God, underscoring that a relationship with God is not something earned through human knowledge or achievements, but through belief in Him and His son, Jesus Christ.

In essence, faith is the means by which believers come to know and experience God. It is not about the absence of knowledge, but about a deeper form of knowing that encompasses trust, hope, and love, transcending the limitations of human understanding.

Yes, one can approach belief in God using facts and knowledge, recognizing that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive but can complement each other. The Bible itself encourages the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, and there are instances where it points to the natural world as evidence of God’s existence and character.

For example, Romans 1:20 states, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” This verse suggests that the created world reflects aspects of God’s nature and power, offering a form of knowledge about God through observation and reasoning.

Similarly, Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” This verse highlights how the beauty, order, and majesty of the universe can lead one to acknowledge the Creator behind it.

However, it’s important to recognize that while facts and knowledge can lead one toward belief in God, the personal acceptance of and relationship with God involves a step of faith. This is because God, His essence, and the fullness of His nature go beyond what can be fully comprehended or proven by human intellect and empirical evidence alone.

In John 20:29, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This indicates that while evidence and knowledge can guide us, faith encompasses trusting in God and His promises beyond what we can see or fully understand.

Therefore, while one can start on the path to believing in God through facts and knowledge, fully embracing a relationship with God involves faith—a confident trust in His character, His words, and His plan for salvation through Jesus Christ.