By Alan Raju John
Christianity, at its core, is a religion built on faith. It's the foundation upon which all other aspects of Christian belief and practice rest. But what exactly is faith, and why is it so essential for Christians? The Bible offers several definitions and metaphors for faith. In Hebrews 11:1, it's described as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Faith allows us to believe in things that cannot be proven with absolute certainty, yet hold them as true with unwavering conviction. It's a trust in God's character and promises, even when we can't fully understand them.