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NASB | Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality--faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. |
Bible Question:
Dear fellow saints, We have the definition of faith here in Hebrews 11:1. Where does this faith come from? Is it the same for all believers? Can we receive or attain more? In Jesus' name, charis |
Bible Answer: brother Charis: Faith is a wonderful topic when it comes to Christ. The faith which we have placed in him is likened to a "hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;" (Heb. 6:19) What is faith as it relates to our relationship to God? Faith as found in Strongs word study is : "Conviction of the truth of anything" Faith is a noun, it is the inner conviction which we receive the moment we rest upon Christ as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. This conviction can not be destroyed or lost if it is upon Christ alone. Some would argue, but how can you prove that what you believe is true? In other words is the Bible true in its revealtion of Christ to us? Can we depend upon it with our soul for eternity? Faith is founded on fact. These facts can be observed by the believer and the unbeliever. Unbelief does not change facts. Some again argue, you claim the Bible is true "because it says so itself" This is circular thinking. I believe that the foundation to the scriptures rests in Christ. Was he who he claimed to be? I think the starting point begins at his resurrection. Think of Thomas who demanded physical proof of Chirst's resurrection before he would believe. At this point he did not have faith in the resurrected Christ. We see the grace of God in his case when the Lord Jesus said to him: "Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing." (John 20:27) The answer of Thomas shows to us the conviction or faith which was given to him the moment he saw the risen Lord "Thomas answered and said, "My Lord and My God." Jesus said "Thomas because you have seen you have believed. Blessed are they who have not seen and yet have believed. The facts of the resurrection of Christ prove that he was who he claimed to be! - the empty tomb - the undesturbed grave clothes - no body in the tomb - his bodily appearances to those he loved - the wounds of Calvary still visible - seen of over 400 people at once. - After 40 days taken up into glory - later seen by Paul on the road to Damascus What about outsiders? - the guards knew he was gone and were paid to lie. In fact his resurrection was know throughout the area. Paul in his defence before King Agrippa testified that "Christ should suffer and that he would be the first to rise from the dead" (Acts 26:23) Agrippa tried to say Paul was mad. However, Pauls answer is significant: "For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner."Acts 26:26 Agrippa, nor any of his advisors argued against the historical fact concerning the death, buriel and resurrection of Christ. The lie of the guards "his disciples stole the body while we slept"; This statement proves that something was wrong with the picture. Roman guards who slept would normally be put to death, and not allowed to spread lies. The proof of this resurrection is seen in the life of his apostles who suffered much for his sake and some were martyered in his name. Why did they do this? Because they personally witnessed the risen Christ. When God by his spirit reveals to us the truth that he died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day. Once we are convinced of this everything else falls into place. Where does faith come from? "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of (our) faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb. 12:2) Note that our is in italics Faith is not something which we can not work up on our own. It is taking God at his word as shown to us in the scriptures. "For by grace are we saved by faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any should boast" Eph 2:8 What is the difference between saving faith and faith? Many people will admit that they believe about Christ that he died, was buried and was raised from the dead. And yet they are not saved! They have never experience the inner conviction that God is true, that Christ is our redeemer and that he lives. Faith is given to us by God the moment we rest upon the truth which he reveals to us by his Spirit through his grace alone. Can we receive or attain more? I think most would admit that "it is a little faith in a great God" However, after we are saved our confidence in him becomes more settled or mature, if we feed on his word and live for him. When we have doubts, they are usually self-doubts. Our clarity of faith is dependent on the amount we are willing to "put off" those things which would distract us from him. Peace to you in his name. Robert |