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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]. |
Subject: Define Faith. |
Bible Note: CDBJ, When you say, “…faith in and of it's self doesn't mean anything…” you, of course, overstate your case, for faith does have meaning and has a meaning. Paul argues strongly and extensively for this particular means of justification as opposed to works as the means of justification. So, to put such importance on faith must mean that it is significant. If what you’re trying to say is that faith is not AS important as WHAT is believed, then I am in total agreement. Jesus honors true faith in God, however small it may be. He does not snuff out the smoldering wick of faith (Mat 12:20) and responds to the faith the size of a mustard seed (LK 17:5,6). But when we tell our neighbor to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved,” it DOES matter what we mean by faith. For some define faith in such a way that what it turns out to be is nothing but works. To others, faith is only exercised when reason or proof is lacking, or it’s an irrational “leap in the dark.” So while faith is not as important as its object, it IS important to know what we mean by it. So far we’ve talked some ABOUT faith, but I still haven’t gotten you to give me a definition of faith, other than give the verb form of faith (believe). (Also, I’m not a Greek scholar, so your lesson on Greek grammar was lost on me.) So again, going back to the top of the thread, Define faith. Thanks for your perseverance, Lionstrong |