Firm faith comes from a firm belief in the Lotus Sutra. The following are Nichiren Shonin’s words:

“Have faith in the Great Mandala Gohonzon, the most superlative in the world. Endeavor! Endeavor to strengthen your faith, so that you may be blessed with the protective powers of all Buddhas. Learn and practice to strengthen your faith. Without learning and practicing there is no Buddhism. Follow these teachings yourself and influence others to do the same. To learn and to practice are a part of faith. Even if only a word or a phrase, spread it to others.” -Shoho Jisso-sho

We are only able to learn and practice faithfully with the support of true faith.