“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 KJV)
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
“Now Faith is the substance of our hoping, the evidence of our undertaking not of our seeing.” Hebrews 11:1 SyS
For most of us, the issue is our hope. Somehow, we can’t get it settled in our life. What do we hope for? What is our eternal hope? Our hope is the very basic substance upon which our faith rests. Faith consists of the certainty of reality. Faith holds to that certainty even when it isn’t visible to the eyes. But, Faith doesn’t merely believe in an ideal or possibility. Faith is greater than mere belief.
Faith also consists of action by the believer. For “faith without works is dead being alone. Someone might say, “Yes, you have faith and I have works. Show me you faith without your works and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:17-18). What we undertake to do is the evidence of our faith. It shows all who look exactly what we are hoping for. It is never based on our sight. “For we walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7 KJV). Because “hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what is seen?” (Rom. 8:24 NRS). Hope always motivates belief and inspires action.
We have never seen God. We do not believe in the possibility of “a higher power.” We do not believe in the ideal of a Divine Being. We believe in God because we are certain that he exists and that he responds favorably to those who diligently seek him. We are saved by the hope we have in Christ Jesus as the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Faith is steadfast in hope. Faith is convinced of unseen realities.
Dear Father and God of our hope, we thank you for that blessed assurance and hope we have through Jesus Christ. Forgive us our sins and failures. Empower us with a greater certainty and faith. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the certainty of Calvary’s salvation,