What is 'The Faith' in Titus 1:1

What is 'The Faith' in Titus 1:1

In Titus 1:1, Paul refers to “the faith of God’s elect.” The use of the definite article “the” signals that this faith is not merely generic belief, but a distinct and defined body of doctrine—a treasure of truth entrusted to those chosen by God. This body of doctrine shapes and directs the life of every believer under grace. It is vital that we recognize and understand the significance of this phrase, for “the faith” underpins our purpose, our convictions, and our calling as members of Christ’s Body.

The following article will explore why grasping this reality is essential and how it anchors us in a life of spiritual substance, rather than mere ritual or routine.

Living with Eternal Purpose through Truth

We live in a world filled with obligations, distractions, and daily routines. Yet when weighed against the eternal power and richness of the Word of God, everything else fades into folly and vanity. What greater purpose does a believer have than to interact meaningfully in God’s Word and to share it faithfully?

The message entrusted to us is not simply about personal belief—it's about “The Faith”, a body of truth with eternal weight and divine commission. Let's begin by clarifying what Scripture means by faith and how it differs from “The Faith.”

Faith vs. “The Faith”

In its simplest sense, faith refers to belief—personal trust, confidence, and persuasion in something or someone. It is how a person responds to what they hear, receiving God's Word as true and reliable.

• “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” — Romans 10:17
• “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” — 1 Corinthians 2:5
• “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.” — 1 Timothy 1:19

These verses above point to the internal response—the belief we exercise as we receive the gospel. However, “The Faith” goes deeper. It is not merely belief, but the revealed body of truth entrusted to the apostle Paul for the Church, the Body of Christ. It is doctrinal, complete, and meant to be obeyed, defended, taught, and multiplied.

“The Faith” encompasses:

• Justification by grace through faith
• Positional and practical truths for the believer
• The mystery program revealed to Paul
• Our calling, ambassadorship, unity, and eternal hope

It is not fluid or subjective—it is divine, consistent, and authoritative.

The Faith is a Stewarded Gift

God’s Word has not been given to us to admire from a shelf or archive in silence. It’s a living trust. We are stewards—entrusted with truth for the benefit of others. Like faithful administrators, we are called to teach, preserve, and share what we’ve been given.

• “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
• “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God… If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God…” — 1 Peter 4:10-11
• “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved… How shall they hear without a preacher?” — Romans 10:13-15

To steward the Word is to:

• Receive it as a trust—not a personal possession.
• Handle it with care—interpreting and living it with integrity.
• Distribute it generously—investing it in others for lasting fruit.
• Guard its purity—preserving the message from distortion.
• Multiply its impact—through faithful ministry, conversation, and encouragement.

We cannot afford to keep silent. “The Faith” must be proclaimed, not merely possessed. Sharing the gospel is how others hear, believe, and enter into the grace we’ve freely received.

A Body of Doctrine Revealed Through Paul

“The Faith” is more than a personal conviction—it is a doctrinal framework committed to the Church, the Body of Christ. The Scriptures themselves make this clear, not by abstract language, but by imperative instruction. Each verse contains direct calls to obey, contend, examine, keep, teach, and be established in “The Faith”. This repeated emphasis proves that we are not dealing with general belief, but a divinely revealed system of truth that guides justification, spiritual maturity, unity, and eternal purpose. Below are the Scriptures that show how this body of doctrine is to be received and lived.

• Romans 1:5 — Obedience to the faith among all nations. “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name.”
• Galatians 2:16 — Justification by the faith of Jesus Christ, not by works of the law. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ… that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
• Jude 1:3-4 — Contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. “…exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints…”
  While Jude’s exhortation to “contend for the faith” is rooted in the Kingdom dispensation, it is important to see that the call to stand firm and actively defend “the faith” is not limited to that context. The apostle Paul, entrusted with the revelation for the Body of Christ, also urges believers to contend and fight for “the faith” in his pastoral letters. In both 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul emphasizes the ongoing struggle and commitment required to uphold the doctrine entrusted to the Church in this present dispensation.
• 1 Timothy 6:12 — Fight the good fight of the faith. “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…”
• 2 Timothy 4:7 — Kept the faith. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
• 2 Timothy 1:14 — Keep the good thing committed unto thee. “That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.”
• Titus 1:9 — Holding fast the faithful word as taught. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
• 2 Thessalonians 1:3 — Grow abundantly in the faith. “…your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth.”
• Galatians 2:20 — Live by the faith of the Son of God. “…the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith [the confidence, assurance] of the Son of God…”
• 2 Corinthians 13:5 — Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…”
• Colossians 2:7 — Established in the faith, rooted and built up in Him. “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught…”
• 1 Timothy 1:2 — Timothy, a son in the faith. “Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith…” (See also Titus 1:4)
• 1 Timothy 4:1 — Some will depart from the faith, following deceptive doctrines. “Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”
• 2 Timothy 3:8 — Certain men are reprobate concerning the faith. “…men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.”
• Ephesians 4:4-5 — Unity: One body, one Spirit, one faith. “There is one body, and one Spirit… One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

Present Application and Eternal Purpose

“The Faith” delivered to Paul doesn’t only shape our present life—it reaches forward into eternal purpose. It governs how we live now, how we serve, and how we’re positioned in the heavenlies.

Daily Realities in This Present Age

These verses describe how we are to walk today—in grace, unity, and spiritual maturity. Each one reinforces that “The Faith” is active and transformative:

• Romans 3:28 – “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
• Galatians 5:25 – “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
• Romans 11:25 – “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery…”
• Ephesians 4:4-5 – “There is one body, and one Spirit… One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:20 – “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ… be ye reconciled to God.”
• Titus 2:12 – “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly…”

Eternal Scope in the Ages to Come

Our hope extends beyond this world. “The Faith” doesn’t only speak to how we walk—it speaks to where we’re headed and why we matter in eternity:

• Ephesians 2:7 – “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace…”
• Ephesians 2:6 – “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places…”
• Ephesians 3:11 – “According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
• Ephesians 3:10 – “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church…”
• Romans 8:17 – “If so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Contrasting Paul’s Gospel with the Kingdom Gospel

To rightly divide the Word is to recognize that “The Faith” entrusted to us has a unique scope and calling—one that must be clearly distinguished from the promises and instructions of the Kingdom gospel given to Israel. This careful discernment is essential for understanding the fullness of our hope, our identity in Christ, and the specific purpose God has for the church today.

Gospel:

Paul’s message centres on grace through faith, not works.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works.” — Ephesians 2:8-9

The Kingdom gospel focuses on repentance, baptism, and obedience.

“…Repent, and be baptized every one of you… for the remission of sins…” — Acts 2:38

Audience:

Paul preached to both Jew and Gentile, forming one Body in Christ.

“…that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs… and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.” — Ephesians 3:6

The Kingdom gospel was directed first to Israel.

“Go not into the way of the Gentiles… but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” — Matthew 10:5-6

Destination:

Paul’s gospel points to a heavenly calling.

“For our conversation is in heaven…” — Philippians 3:20

The Kingdom gospel looks toward restoration and reign on earth.

“…ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” — Matthew 19:28

Basis of Truth:

Paul’s message was a mystery revealed for this age.

“…the mystery which hath been hid… now made manifest…” — Colossians 1:25-26

The Kingdom gospel fulfills prophecy spoken since the world began.

“As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets…” — Luke 1:70

Works and Law:

Paul taught justification without works or law.

“…to him that worketh not, but believeth… his faith is counted for righteousness.” — Romans 4:5

The Jewish gospel included works as a demonstration of living faith.

“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” — James 2:24

Message Emphasis:

Paul emphasized reconciliation, spiritual growth, and identity in Christ.

“…be ye reconciled to God… we are ambassadors…” — 2 Corinthians 5:20

The Kingdom gospel focused on Jesus’ Messiahship, law, and discipleship.

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” — Matthew 28:19-20

Summary

From daily living to eternal calling, “The Faith” is our anchor. It defines how we’re saved, how we serve, and how we walk. It’s not tradition or suggestion—it’s divine instruction, meant to be obeyed, taught, and guarded.

What we believe matters. What we steward matters more. May we grow in grace, rightly divide truth, and proclaim “The Faith” with clarity and conviction.