Lets talk about the difference between belief and faith, today.
Belief: An acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists.
Faith: A strong belief or trust in someone or something. Belief that is not based on proof.
An example I read while studying to write this piece, was written by a man from Chicago, Illinois. His example was based on his Chicago experience. He believed that using a crosswalk was the safest way to cross the street in Chicago. Faith is walking between the lines, believing that the crosswalk, doesn't make you an easier target for a speeding car.
We can believe something, all day, everyday, and never move. We can believe anything, have verified proof of what we believe and never move a muscle. Once we believe something, anything, and take action based on that belief, we are acting on faith
Belief + Action= Faith
There are buildings filled with believers every weekend. They come in, they sit down, sing a few songs, listen to a sermon, sing an invitation hymn and go home. Satan and his demons believe in God. James 2:19 tells us, "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble." (New King James) James also tells us that faith without works(actions) is dead.
Faith - works(actions)= dead, but doesn't faith - action= belief. Using the basic principles of equalization,
if faith - works(action)= dead and faith - works(action)= belief, then couldn't we legitimately say belief = dead or belief is dead.
In Matthew 25:31-46 we get to see a look at judgement day for those that believe in Jesus as Lord. The sheep and the goats are divided into two groups.
The sheep, not only believed, but also did good works. They fed the hungry, gave water to the thirsty, welcomed strangers, clothed the naked, visited the prisoners. Jesus tells His sheep, when you did these things for the least of people, you also did it to me.
To the goats, who only believed, Jesus says, depart from me for I was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, a prisoner, naked, and you did nothing for me. Those that only believe say when did we see you like that, and Jesus said that whatever you didn't do for the least of these, you also didn't do for me.
Belief + works(action)= Faith Faith - works(action)= belief = dead