The depth of faith

Does faith line up with your thoughts of what it really is? Hebrews 11:1 according to the Kings James version provides the most admirable definition – “Now faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen.” It no doubt provides latitude for an exposition; so this very popular text may be interpreted and understood in its right context. Delve… plunge… however you are led into the depth of this faith.

Faith is mentioned as the “substance” of things that are hoped for. Substance in Greek means confidence (Hebrews 4:13). The root meaning of confidence is subsistence, which speaks to life and survival, and also defines as ground, basis, foundation or support upon which there is standing hope. It is steadfastly standing on this assurance with confidence. It provides the foundation or ground of our expectations and what we hope for – Faith is the giving substance of these things that are hoped for.

“Now faith is the substance of things hope for…” This faith referred to in the text speaks to the faith of the Old Testament Saints whose hope was in Christ, in eternal life, and in their future joy and contentment. For the New Testament Saints it is hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the abundance of grace and eternal life. It refers to things waiting to be fulfilled – of the future – things hoped for. Their faith stands as… the substance – the life – the survival – the subsistence – the assurance – the basis… All this is the ground and foundation for their hope.

According to Elliot’s Commentary, …for the Saints… “faith gives a kind of possession of these things before hand. Faith is holding to God’s word and gives substance to what that word promises, investing the future blessings with a present existence, and is received with full conviction.” Thus “every genuine act of faith is the act of the whole man, not of his understanding alone, not of his affections alone, not of his will alone, but of all three in their central, aboriginal unity.” And thus faith becomes “the faculty in man through which the spiritual world exercises its sway over him, and thereby enables him to overcome the world of sin and death.” (Hare, Victory of Faith from Elliot’s Commentary for English readers)

“The evidence of things not seen” – According to Jamieson Fausset Brown evidence is “demonstration”, which is a convincing proof to the believer – the soul is seeing what the eye cannot see. The idea of “evidence”, as explained in Barnes Notes, goes to demonstrate the thing that is given thought, or which is adapted to produce “conviction” in the mind, seems to be the basic idea in the word. So when a proposition is demonstrated; when a man is accused and evidence is furnished of his guilt, or when he establishes his innocence; or when one by argument refutes his adversaries, the idea of “convincing argument” enters into the use of the word in each case.

This is what Barnes thinks is the meaning of evidence. He goes further – “Faith in the divine declarations answers all the purposes of a convincing argument, or is itself a convincing argument to the mind, of the real existence of those things which are not seen.” But Barnes is mindful of the fact that this argument may very well not be convincing to an infidel, so he presents this point: “But when a man who has never seen it believes that there is such a place as London, his belief in the numerous testimonies respecting it which he has heard and read, is to his mind a good and rational proof of its existence, and he would act on that belief without hesitation. When a son credits the declaration or the promise of a father who has never deceived him, and acts as though that declaration and promise were true, his faith is to him a ground of conviction and of action, and he will act as if these things were so.”

It is in the same way that Christians accept the word of God, and even though a Christian has never seen Christ or heaven or a resurrection, he is convinced, he is satisfied, and he is confident in his mind with the evidence before him based on the word of God.

Our Inheritance

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory – Ephesians 1:11-14.

What are the details of this inheritance that Christ has given us? This encompasses all of what Christ did during his time spent here on earth and his death and resurrection.

While here on earth the Son of Man built up a legacy of good works, humility, compassion and ultimately sacrificing his life, giving us the free gift of eternal life. His example is our inheritance. We are called to exemplify all that Christ represents. Accepting Christ and believing, grant us the free gift of salvation. Through the Holy Spirit given to every Believer this inheritance is guaranteed to the praise of his glory. This inheritance is already predestined, only for us to take possession of it. It’s there… just take it! No payment, no probate of will, no stamp duty, no document transfer or transfer fees, no lawyer, no legal fees. No stress. Nada. Nothing! Free!

How to explain salvation to non-believers

Salvation may be defined as freedom from the power of sin. In this way you are saved for eternal life. You are no longer lost to sin. Explaining salvation to a non-believer the main aim would be to assist such an individual to become a believer. It is therefore important to deal with the following:

What is salvation?
How was, and how is salvation received?
Why do you need salvation?

What is salvation?
A non-believer needs to be aware what this very familiar word is all about. Reiterating the definition – Salvation is freedom from the power of sin. One of the most common phrases or terms one often hear is that – only salvation lasts forever. This is implying that nothing else lasts forever. You can think as hard as you can, but you will not be able to think of anything else. Knowing this, what options do you have? What is your choice?

In reference to the definition, the word “sin” is involved. One may explain sin to be acting against what is good and moral. From the definition of salvation it speaks of the “power of sin,” which is saying that sin has power, meaning it has great influence over what is bad and immoral, which inevitably spells trouble. One also sees freedom in the definition. The opposite to all this is bondage, or being restricted. If one means well for him or her self, what would be the better option here? This is naturally a rhetorical question.

How was and how is salvation received?
One might be curious to find out how salvation came about. It came about after Jesus Christ gave His life through the shedding of His blood on the cross. This effectively saved you from all your sins, because He gave His life as a sacrifice for everyone. You therefore have no need to be troubled because the price for all sins has been paid for in this manner. The only thing left for you to do is to claim it.

How do you claim this great thing called salvation? It is claimed by accepting and believing that Christ died to save you from your sins. This requires repentance and baptism, which is participating in the death and resurrection of Christ and is a symbol of cleansing and purification. It is being born again. This involves making the decision to do away with the old and sinful life and take on a new life, which is holy and acceptable to God.

Why do you need salvation?
You may ask why it was necessary for Christ to go through all this suffering for you. It was necessary because you are just not capable of consistently upholding God’s command, in order to meet His requirements for eternal life. This provision was made for you through Christ, the risen one. You are able to seek His forgiveness, through confession, when you fail in obeying His word. This is so because no one is perfect, and you are all born as sinners.

Interesting inspirations as this one, and more from daily devotional – Devotions on the ROCK. The first edition available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1978141696 in print and kindle.