We come across the word "faith" many times in the Bible, but what is it really? Some say it is: belief, dependence, hope, confidence, or expectation. However, there is no "single" definition of it found anywhere in Scripture.
Even so, many examples that demonstrate or describe what faith does in different situations can be found there. While these may not be a one-size-fits-all definition of "faith," they do provide a glimpse of it in action.
Therefore, instead of just talking about faith, let's we examine some Scripture and see what we can discover. Naturally we are limited in what we can accomplish here, but we'll try to do our best under the circumstances.
Let's look at Hebrews 11. It is a wonderful chapter on faith written by an anonymous writer to the Hebrew Christians in Palestine. Here, one can find many examples of "faith" throughout.
For instance, the first three verses (Hebrews 11:1-3) tell us much about "faith." We learn that it is unseen, and also provides a good description of what it does for us (Hebrews 11:1).
In Hebrews 11:2, the writer notes that their O. T. ancestors received divine approval because they walked by faith and not by sight. This refers back to what was mentioned in verse 1.
If your parents shared a story with you about something they did together before your birth, you would most likely believe they were telling the truth. After all, you weren't around to verify it, or not. The same applies to God.
Hebrews 11:3 gives an account of creation being credited to God. He was the only one who was there when it happened. We accept this fact by faith because none of us were there. Besides, God never lies (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18).
I think you now have a pretty good idea of what to do for the rest of the chapter. Remember that you are probing Hebrews 11 verse-by-verse for any information to help discern what faith is and does according to the circumstances.
Early twentieth-century Scottish Baptist evangelist and teacher, Oswald Chambers, quoted: "Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time."
To believe in something that cannot be seen goes against our natural instincts. Understandably, for many, their past experiences play heavily into this. But despite that, God understands. The last thing He wants is a coerced or forced faith from us.
To believe in God one must have faith. It doesn't work any other way. On one hand, there's not a thing about God that makes our belief in Him an impossibility. On the other, it's our own will that prevents us from doing so (Mark 11:22).
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 15:13; John 11:25-26; Romans 1:17; John 6:47
Prayer: Dear God, though I have never seen You, I love You, and I believe in You. I rejoice everyday because You offered salvation of my soul in return for my faith, and I gladly accepted it, amen
May God bless you,
Lainey
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