DEFINING FAITH

Hebrews 11:1 is a foundational verse in the Bible that provides a definition of faith. The verse reads, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This verse provides insight into what faith truly means and how it operates in the life of a believer.

Faith is often described as a belief in something without proof. However, Hebrews 11:1 expands upon this definition by suggesting that faith is not just a blind leap into the unknown, but rather a confident assurance of things hoped for and a conviction of things not seen. In other words, faith involves a level of understanding and belief that transcends mere intellectual assent.

The "assurance of things hoped for" refers to the believer's confidence that God will fulfill His promises. This includes the promises of salvation, healing, provision, and more. Faith allows us to hope in the unseen, to trust that what God has promised will come to pass, even if we do not currently see the evidence of it in the natural world.

The "conviction of things not seen" refers to the believer's unwavering belief in the unseen realm of God's kingdom. This includes the belief in the reality of heaven, the presence of angels and demons, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Faith allows us to see beyond the physical world and to understand that there is a spiritual dimension to life that is just as real as the physical one.

Faith is also linked to obedience. In the book of Hebrews, the author highlights the faith of Old Testament figures such as Abraham, Moses, and Noah. These individuals demonstrated their faith by obeying God's commands, even when it required great sacrifice and effort. Faith without obedience is dead, as James 2:17 states.

It is important to note that faith is not a static, one-time experience. Rather, it is a journey that begins when we first believe in Jesus and continues as we grow in our relationship with Him. Our faith is strengthened through trials and challenges, and as we see God's faithfulness in our lives.

In conclusion, Hebrews 11:1 provides a comprehensive definition of faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Faith involves a confident belief in God's promises and a belief in the unseen spiritual realm. It is linked to obedience and is a journey that begins with belief in Jesus and continues as we grow in our relationship with Him. May we all grow in our faith and learn to trust in the promises of God, even when we cannot see the evidence of them in the natural world