“Now faith is the SUBSTANCE (hupostasis: the fundamental support) of THINGS HOPED FOR, the EVIDENCE (elengchos: that by which a thing is proved) of THINGS NOT SEEN…By faith we understand that the universe was created by the WORD OF GOD, so that WHAT IS SEEN WAS NOT MADE OUT OF THINGS THAT ARE VISIBLE.” (Heb. 11:1, 3)
Things that are invisible? Atoms (the substance) are the basis for everything in the Universe. There are subatomic particles Nucleons and Quarks. However, science is based on the atom because it is the smallest distinct unit of matter. So, when “God Said, let there be…” the whole atomic structure (the things we cannot see) had to be created so whatever God spoke could exist. Yes Indeed, we are serving such an awesome God!!!
HOW IMPORTANT IS FAITH? “…WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD, for he who comes to God MUST BELIEVE THAT HE IS and that He is A REWARDER OF THOSE WHO DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM.” (Heb. 11:6) How does He reward us? by showing us what we need to see to know!
Because of our sin, we need to be justified: vindicated or divinely declared righteous. This is the first step of faith which happens when we ask for forgiveness. This of course begins the process of us being “Born Again” “Anyone who believes in Christ is a new creation. The old is gone! The new has come!” (2 Corin. 5:17) When we accept and believe this “newness” then we are “Born Again.” As you know, this is when the battle for our soul begins, the devil begins to tempt us with doubt. This is why it’s so important for us to get GOD’S WORD in us, and be around other Christians for support. We must as Jude says: “I felt compelled to write and urge you to EARNESTLY (seriously) CONTEND FOR THE FAITH that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people…you, dear friends, by BUILDING YOURSELVES UP IN YOUR MOST HOLY FAITH and PRAYING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, KEEP YOURSELVES IN GOD’S LOVE…” (Jude 1:3, 20-21)
Remember, “…faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD.” (Rom. 10:17)
My prayer for YOU is that God will give you a hunger for the word of God…
-Bill Stockham