Faith is substance

The phrase "faith is substance" comes from Hebrews 11:1, which says:

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (KJV).

This verse provides a profound definition of faith and is foundational to understanding how faith operates in a believer's life. Let’s unpack its meaning.

What Does "Faith is the Substance" Mean?

  1. Faith Gives Reality to Hope:

    • The word "substance" in Greek is hypostasis, which can mean "assurance," "foundation," or "reality." It implies something tangible or firm that underpins what we hope for.
    • In essence, faith isn’t just wishful thinking or blind optimism. It’s the confident assurance that what God has promised will come to pass, even if we haven’t seen it yet. Faith gives our hope substance—it makes it real in the spiritual realm.

  2. Faith Bridges the Invisible and the Visible:

    • Faith acts as a bridge between the unseen promises of God and their fulfillment in our lives. While we may not yet see the results, faith allows us to live as though they are already accomplished because God’s Word is trustworthy.

  3. Faith Has Evidence:

    • The verse continues to say that faith is "the evidence of things not seen." The word "evidence" suggests proof or conviction. Faith isn’t baseless; it is grounded in God’s character and His Word. Even though we can’t physically see or touch certain things (like heaven, salvation, or God’s ultimate plans), faith is the internal conviction that they are true.

Biblical Examples of Faith as Substance

The rest of Hebrews 11 is often called the "Hall of Faith" because it highlights people who demonstrated this kind of faith:

  • Noah built the ark by faith, trusting God’s warning about the unseen flood (Hebrews 11:7).
  • Abraham obeyed God by leaving his home for a land he hadn’t yet seen, and later he trusted God to fulfill His promise of descendants, even when it seemed impossible (Hebrews 11:8-12).
  • Moses led Israel out of Egypt by faith, trusting in God's power despite Pharaoh’s opposition (Hebrews 11:24-29).

These individuals acted as though God’s promises were already fulfilled because their faith gave those promises substance in their lives.

Practical Application: How to Live by Faith as Substance

  1. Trust God's Promises:

    • Even when circumstances seem contrary to what God has spoken, hold on to His Word. For example, Abraham believed God when He promised him a son, even though it was biologically improbable (Romans 4:20-21).

  2. Act on Your Faith:

    • Faith requires action. James reminds us that "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17). Acting on faith demonstrates that you truly believe in what you hope for.

  3. Hold on During Uncertainty:

    • Faith doesn’t mean we won’t face doubt or challenges, but it does mean persevering because we trust in God's character and His timing.

Faith and Jesus Christ

Faith finds its ultimate "substance" in Jesus. As Hebrews 12:2 says:

"...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

Jesus is the foundation of our faith. Through Him, we have assurance of salvation, eternal life, and God’s promises.

Closing Thought

Faith isn’t abstract; it’s active and grounded in the reality of who God is. It gives substance to hope, enabling us to trust God even when the outcome isn’t visible. Faith is the lens through which we see God’s promises as already fulfilled. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Five Ways to Hear God Speak to You

Hearing from God is a transformative experience that deepens one's faith and spiritual understanding. Here are five key practices supported by Scripture that can help you tune in to God's voice: 1. Remain Pure "Purity of heart leads to a clearer vision of God," as Jesus states in Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." To remain pure, one must strive to live a life free of sin and full of grace. Other verses that emphasize purity include: Psalm 51:10 : "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." 1 John 3:3 : "All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure." These verses remind us that purity is not just about avoiding wrongdoing, but actively seeking renewal through God's grace. 2. Have a Relationship with God Through Prayer Building a relationship with God is akin to nurturing a friendship; it requires communication and intimacy. Matthew 6:6 advises, ...
Read more

The Biblical Definition of an Ungodly Man

The Book of Jude offers one of the most vivid descriptions in Scripture of ungodly men and their destructive influence within the church. Jude’s letter warns believers to recognize and stand firm against such individuals while trusting in God’s judgment upon them. Let us explore what the Bible reveals about ungodly men, with a specific focus on Jude’s teachings. Who Are Ungodly Men? Jude describes ungodly men as those who: Lack reverence for God. Reject His authority. Follow sinful passions. Lead others astray through deception. These individuals infiltrate the church to corrupt the faithful, turning grace into a license for sin, and leading lives marked by rebellion and self-centeredness. Jude warns against their behaviors, using both historical examples and vivid metaphors to emphasize their danger and inevitable judgment. Characteristics of Ungodly Men in Jude 1. They Secretly Infiltrate the Church (Jude 1:4): “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ord...
Read more

Co-Laboring with the Creator

As believers, we are called into a deep and profound relationship with God, one that goes beyond merely believing in Him or following His commandments. This relationship is a partnership—a divine collaboration between humanity and our Creator. God doesn’t just work on us; He works through us. We are invited to co-labor with Him, bringing His purposes to life on earth. Understanding What It Means to Partner with God At the core of partnering with God is the idea that we are not passive recipients of His grace but active participants in His mission. In 1 Corinthians 3:9, the apostle Paul writes, "For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building." Here, Paul emphasizes that we are co-laborers with God, working in His service to fulfill His purposes. This partnership is not one of equals. We rely entirely on God's wisdom, strength, and guidance. Our role is to be obedient, humble, and willing vessels for His work. In John 15:5, Jesus say...
Read more