Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.For by it the elders obtained a good eport.Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.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 (Hebrews 11:1-6).
Faith is indispensable to every aspect of our spiritual transaction and relationship with God as Christians. Faith is fundamental to the Christian creed and conduct. From the Old Testament period down to the New Testament, all those who walked with God and served faithfully have been men and women of faith. Faith is vital to beginning,benefiting from and benefiting others through the Christian life. As Christ interacted with people to save, heal and deliver them during His earthly ministry, the singular thing He sought for was faith. The condition is still the same for believers in this end time.Faith is absolute trust in God which leads to believing His Word.
The Greek word translated as faith is.The verb form of it is, is most of the time translated as “believe”. The word faith means “to believe”, to be persuaded of” and hence, “to place confidence in”, “to trust”, “to rely upon”. Lexically, therefore, the dictionary defines faith as “belief,confidence, fidelity, or loyalty to God.The scriptural faith is more than natural faith. The Natural faith is the inmate ability of man to trust or confide in himself, another person or object, etc. The unique elements of scriptural faith which distinguish it from natural faith is its object, its source and basis. The object of scriptural faith is God while the source of it is His unchanging Word “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world” (Romans 10:17-18). Scriptural faith is equally distinct from head knowledge or mental assent to Biblical facts or to the truth of Bible records without practical commitment. Hence, in the epistle of James in Chapter 2:19-20, it stated; “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead”.
Consequently, scriptural faith is different from emotional faith which does not last beyond the spur of the moment (Matthew 13:20-21; John 2: 23-25). Scriptural faith is defined as follows: It's the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of the things not seen (Hebrews 11:1, 7, 13, 27). Faith gives form and present reality to future hopes and expectations. It is the receipt that assures the delivery of the goods paid for faith peeps into the future, visualizes the unseen and guarantees the reality of invisible things. Faith is the confidence we have in the veracity and immutability of God’s word and promises like Abraham.And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform (Romans 4:21). Faith is unwavering courage and patience to persevere, in adverse conditions while waiting for and insisting on the fulfillment of God’s promises. It also the positive confession of the promises of God believed in the heart Psalm 118:17; Romans 10:10-11; 2 Corinthians 4:13;Philippians 4:13).
Faith embraces and cleaves to the promises of God.The Scriptural faith is active and not passive. It is viable, and productive and not sterile or unproductive. True faith always achieves, and accomplishes definite, tangible things in the lives and surroundings of its possessors. Faith enables us to please God in our Christian lives and ministries. It enhances our profitability from God’s word. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2). It is through faith that Christian experiences are bestowed (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8). Faith enables us to do the impossible (Mark 9:23), mountains can be moved and exploits done only by faith. All the promises of God can be received by faith, Healing, deliverance, provisions,Grace, power, protection etc. are produced for us through faith (Hebrews 6:12).Faith enables us to endure persecutions and trials courageously like Daniel,Prophets and Apostles did. We are kept and preserved by faith (1 Peter 1:5).
Faith grants us access to God and answers to all our prayers. Through faith, we are able to consecrate and submit to God’s will very easily (Romans 1:5). And faith guarantees a triumphant death and a place in heaven for us.The entire chapter eleven of Hebrews provides us with various men and women of faith. These heroes and heroines of faith have demonstrated the various forms and functions of faith. People like Enoch, Noah,Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, Hezekiah, Jehoshaphat, Hanna, etc. are some of the examples of faith. The consistency, constancy and conquests of their faith are worthy of emulation. Above all, the Lord Jesus Christ is our perfect example. We are to look unto Him continually.