More Faith

What is faith?

Faith is a leading theme in the Bible.

On repeat in the gospels Jesus is either admonishing or rebuking someone for the faith that they do or do not exhibit.

The basic definition that we see for faith is found in Hebrews 11:1

King James Version (Chapter 11)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

This is the verse that we cling to when we talk about what faith is.

The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen. Another term for substance in this verse is confidence, the confidence of things hoped for. The definition that Hebrews is going to use is supposed to incite confidence in us.

But what is our confidence in? Is our confidence in ourselves to hold on to God? Is our confidence in what we can do to get to God? Is our confidence in what we can do to get in God’s good graces?

Where we find our confidence will tell a lot about our faith.

If we find ourselves putting our confidence in ourselves then we will find ourselves being people of little or no faith. We know who we are, we know our capabilities. We know that if life depends on us then destruction awaits us.

As we read through the hall of faith it is important to note that faith is attributed to these men not because they put their confidence in themselves, but rather they trusted God. They did not know what was in front of them, but they trusted the Word of God and what He instructed them to do.

Hebrews 11:6–7

King James Version (Chapter 11)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

God is for those who diligently seek him.

Without faith, without trusting God fully, it is impossible to please Him.

Hebrews 11:13–16

King James Version (Chapter 11)

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.