Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This verse gives a definition of faith – it is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Let’s break this down to understand it fully:
Faith gives assurance and conviction
The words “assurance” and “conviction” imply that faith gives us confidence and certainty. When we have faith, we are sure of the truth even when we cannot physically see or touch it. We are convinced of the reality of the unseen spiritual world and the promises of God.
True biblical faith is not a blind leap in the dark. It is confidence grounded in the character and promises of God, who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). It is being certain of what God has said He will do, even when we have yet to experience the tangible manifestation of it.
Faith is based on hope
Faith is the assurance of “things hoped for.” In other words, faith needs an object – we place our faith in something. That something is what we “hope for.” Biblical hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the promises of God.
As Christians, our hope is firmly rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. We hope for eternal life, the resurrection of our bodies, and His return (Titus 2:13). We hope for God’s help in our weakness and difficulties (Psalm 42:5). We hope for the reward Christ has promised His followers (Hebrews 10:35). Faith embraces these promises and makes them feel real and certain even before we actually receive them.
Faith grasps the unseen spiritual world
Faith is the conviction or proof of “things not seen.” Our physical eyes cannot perceive the spiritual realm, including God Himself, who is Spirit (John 4:24). Heaven, hell, angels, demons, and miracles cannot be naturally perceived by our five senses. Faith, however, makes the invisible world real to us and enables us to be certain of its existence and truths.
Throughout Scripture, faith recognizes spiritual realities beyond the physical world (2 Kings 6:17). Our faith assures us that God is with us though we cannot tangibly grasp Him. It convinces us of the reality of heaven though we cannot yet see it. The heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11 saw “Him who is invisible” and were “convinced of things not seen” by their faith (Hebrews 11:27, 11:1).
Examples of faith in Hebrews 11
The rest of Hebrews 11 gives examples of faith from saints of the Old Testament. Their faith gave them assurance and conviction of spiritual realities they hoped for but could not yet see:
- Noah was warned about the coming flood and built the ark by faith (Hebrews 11:7).
- Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his home, believing God’s promise to give him a new land (Hebrews 11:8).
- Abraham and Sarah miraculously conceived a child in old age, convinced God would keep His word (Hebrews 11:11).
- Moses’ parents hid him after birth, assured God would deliver him from Pharaoh (Hebrews 11:23).
- Moses left Egypt, persevering though he could not yet see the reward (Hebrews 11:27).
In all these examples, faith gave assurance of the promises of God and grasped the unseen spiritual realities surrounding them. This same faith should characterize every believer.
Faith comes by hearing God’s word
Biblical faith does not come from within us or positive thinking. True faith comes from hearing the message of Christ (Romans 10:17). The more we immerse ourselves in God’s word, the more our faith grows. The Bible gives us many precious promises to place our faith in. As we read God’s word, our faith grasps these truths and makes them feel real to us even before we see the fulfillment.
Faith pleases God
Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” God is pleased when we trust His word and live accordingly, even when it seems difficult or illogical in the moment. He wants us to cling to His promises despite our wavering emotions or circumstances. When we live by faith, the unseen eternal world becomes more real to us than the temporal visible world around us. This brings great joy to our Father!
Faith shows we are God’s children
True saving faith is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them” (John 6:65). When we place our faith in Christ for salvation, it shows we are God’s children born of Him (1 John 5:1). Our ongoing faith and trust in God also testify we belong to Him (1 John 4:13-16). Faith is a distinguishing mark of a Christian, the evidence we have spiritual life within.
We walk by faith, not sight
2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” As Christians, we do not base our beliefs and actions solely on what we can perceive with our physical senses. We embrace the truths and promises of God’s word, trusting Him fully, despite not being able to see the whole picture. We follow His leading step by step, relying on faith that He is guiding us on the best path.
At times, faith may seem difficult. Our senses and emotions tempt us not to trust what we cannot see or feel. But this is the very essence of faith – choosing to believe God and obey Him based on His Word alone, regardless of our changing tides of feeling. As we walk by faith each day, keeping our eyes fixed on the unseen eternal realities, God is pleased and honored.
Faith works through love
Biblical faith is never idle. True faith results in actions of obedience and love towards God and others. Paul said faith “works through love” (Galatians 5:6). James reminded us even demons have an intellectual faith that God exists, but it does not move them to righteous deeds (James 2:19). Living faith shows itself through good works of love for God’s glory.
Faith can grow strong or weak
The size of our faith can fluctuate. When the disciples cried out in fear of drowning, Jesus reproved them, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:22-25) He often told people their faith had made them well (Matthew 9:22, 15:28, Luke 17:19). Jesus marveled at the great faith of the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:10).
Like muscles, faith grows stronger with diligent exercise. If we neglect Bible study and prayer, our faith shrivels. If we continually immerse ourselves in God’s word, our faith flourishes. Even a weak faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains by God’s power (Matthew 17:20). God is pleased to see our faith grow strong as we keep our eyes fixed on Him.
Faith will one day become sight
Currently, “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). But a day is coming when our faith will become sight! When Christ returns, we will SEE Him face to face in all His glory (1 John 3:2). We will KNOW fully, even as we are fully known (1 Corinthians 13:12). And “faith will become obsolete” because we will see our hope fulfilled (1 Corinthians 13:10). As we eagerly await that day, may we keep walking by faith, assured of the unseen eternal promises of God.
