For the Christian believer "faith" is one of the most significantly powerful words that there ever was. In fact, depending on the Bible translation, it is so important that the word appears on average over 340 times!
To help us better understand "faith" we can turn to Hebrews 11:1 (KJV), "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." This line of scripture enjoys the unique honor of providing a viable definition of it.
Let's break the verse down and then carefully examine it. The first part reads: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for..." The word "faith" is referring to nothing less than a strong and welcome conviction or belief.
Then it continues to tell us what it (faith) is. It is "the substance," meaning "fulfillment" or "achievement/realization" of something desired or anticipated. The "things" in the verse being what we hope for, or what is hoped for.
In other words, it is a "belief" that those "things hoped for" do exist and may be obtained or realized by those having the necessary faith. The word "evidence," describes a firmly held opinion or position that is fully capable of standing on its own.
The last piece of the verse seeks to tell us what "faith" is so that we may be able to recognize it when we see it, know when it is there, and follow its hidden workings or operations. This faith is characterized as having two objectives: "things hoped for" and "things not seen."
The former ("things hoped for") are personal and are what you and I hope for, with the expectation of achieving, winning, possessing, and enjoying. It can be thought of as the fulfillment of either a blessing belonging to an individual, or humanity in general.
The latter ("things not seen") are impartial and universal. They exist beyond the realm of the obvious, and are what we interpret as the causes that produce the endless effects which we call nature and man; especially the Supreme Being and source we identify as the invisible God.
There is also a two-fold function that corresponds to the double objective discussed above. First, "faith is the substance of things hoped for;" that is, it guides or regulates them, giving them reality, and fulfilling them.
Furthermore, it is "the evidence" or proof, "of things not seen." Specifically, it validates their purpose, makes them obvious to the capable mind, provides them with a shape and form that the mind can deal with, feel, and grasp.
Perhaps a fair summation of our discussion might be as follows: Faith is the energy by which we convert the things we hope for into reality; it is the eye through which the soul perceives unseen things.
It's probable that the author of Hebrews did not mean for us see this as a full and complete definition of faith. Instead, it may be regarded as a description of some of its functions. I think we can safely say that it does more than adequate job of it.
Scripture: John 6:47; Revelation 14:12; Ephesians 2:8; 1 John 5:5; 2 Corinthians 5:7
Prayer: Dear God, I know that You will never forsake me or leave me. Having You by my side gives me the capacity to face whatever comes. Help me to keep my faith in You no matter whatever circumstances may arise. Amen
Love and blessings,
Jenelle
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