Scripture is clear that simple belief that does not result in obedience to God's will is not equivalent to genuine saving faith.

This book focuses on how God transforms simple belief, that which enables us to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died for our sins, into genuine faith like that of Abraham, Jacob, David, and others. The biblical texts of the lives of these individuals reveal that genuine belief is the beginning of movement in the process of becoming, of being transformed over time. This process moves a person's faith beyond simple belief, comprised of mental assent to facts, to a genuine faith that encompasses trust in God, surrender to his will, and a heartfelt embrace of what is believed. This genuine faith results in obedience to the one believed.

Many biblical texts make it explicit that it is God the Holy Spirit who does this work of transformation. Scripture provides no direct explanation about how that work is accomplished; however, the texts reveal it when you look for it. This book reexamines some of the familiar biblical stories of well-known and important biblical characters. We focus on how God brought about his transforming work through daily life events to move each one, over time, from simple belief to genuine faith anchored in deep trust. This trust enabled them to obey God in challenging circumstances.