The book of Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6 states “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” This verse packs a powerful truth that faith is essential to having a relationship with God. But what does it really mean? Let’s explore this topic in depth.
Faith Pleases God Because it Shows We Trust Him
Hebrews 11:6 makes it clear that faith is absolutely necessary to please God. Why? Because faith is ultimately about trusting in who God is. When we have faith in God, we are demonstrating that we believe His word is true, His promises are reliable, and His character is good. We are saying God is who He says He is.
Faith shows that we are relying on God’s power, wisdom and goodness rather than our own abilities. We are acknowledging that we need Him. As Hebrews 11:6 says, faith believes that God exists and rewards those who seek Him. This honors God, showing we understand He is the source of every blessing.
Some examples of people in the Bible who pleased God through their faith include:
– Abraham, who trusted God’s promise of an heir even when it seemed impossible (Hebrews 11:8-12).
– Noah, who obeyed God’s warning about the coming flood even when there was no evidence of rain (Hebrews 11:7).
– Rahab, who hid the Israelite spies because she believed the God of Israel was the one true God (Hebrews 11:31).
Their faith pleased God because it demonstrated their confidence in Him and reliance on Him, not themselves. The same applies to us today. When we trust God wholeheartedly, we bring joy to His heart.
True Faith Transforms Us and Our Actions
Faith in God is more than just intellectual agreement. Even the demons believe in God’s existence! (James 2:19). True, saving faith results in a transformed life. If we have genuine faith, our actions will show it. Our priorities, choices, attitudes, and how we treat others will reflect our trust in God.
James explains that faith without works is useless (James 2:14-17). Our actions flow out of our beliefs. Just as Abraham’s faith led him to obey God’s radical command, and Noah’s faith led him to build the ark, our faith shows itself through our lifestyles.
The great heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 trusted God’s promises even when it cost them dearly. By faith they conquered kingdoms, shut lions’ mouths, gained their dead back to life (Hebrews 11:32-35). They were willing to give up everything because they looked forward to the eternal reward God promised (Hebrews 11:26). True faith transforms how we live.
Faith Requires Us to Persevere Through Trials
One aspect of faith highlighted in Hebrews 11 is perseverance through trials. Many heroes of the faith suffered greatly, but their faith enabled them to endure (Hebrews 11:35-38). Faith continues to trust God even in the darkest times.
Abraham persevered in faith despite having no child until his old age. Moses’ parents hid him by faith, defying the king’s order (Hebrews 11:23). Others faced mockery, torture, and death because they trusted God’s promises. Their faith was proven genuine because it withstood the fires of intense persecution.
In the same way, our faith is refined and strengthened when it remains steadfast through difficult seasons of life. Easy faith that lives in comfortable circumstances is untested. But when we trust God and cling to Christ through pain, rejection, grief and uncertainty, our faith pleases God. He will uphold us, using trials to purify our faith like gold (1 Peter 1:6-7).
God Desires Faith From the Heart, Not Religious Duty
Through the Old Testament prophets, God made clear He wants faith from the heart, not just external religious observance. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea and others rebuked Israel for impressive looking religious acts done by unfaithful hearts (Isaiah 29:13). Jesus echoed this, condemning the outwardly impressive but internally dead faith of the Pharisees (Matthew 23:25-28).
Mere intellectual assent to God’s existence, attending church, quoting Scripture, or performing religious rituals do not necessarily equate to biblical faith. God sees our hearts and knows if we have genuine trust in Him. He desires us to believe in Him with sincerity, passion and devotion.
Romans 10:9-10 explains faith involves both heartfelt conviction and public confession. Biblical faith transforms our inner person and overflows into outward expressions of worship, trust and obedience. This faith from the heart pleases God.
Growing in Faith Pleases God
Our all-knowing God is not impressed by the amount of our faith nearly as much as He is pleased by the genuineness of our faith. Even “little” faith, as small as a mustard seed, is precious to God when it is authentic (Matthew 17:20). At the same time, we are called to nurture our faith, allowing it to grow.
When the disciples cried out “Increase our faith!” Jesus gave them practical advice for growth (Luke 17:5-6). As we pray, read Scripture, obey God’s commands, and fellowship with other believers, our faith can flourish. Our loving Father delights in seeing the faith He initiated within us expand and bloom.
Hebrews 12 instructs us to “run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” (vs 1-2). The Christian life is a journey of faith. Each step we take, guided by our Shepherd, increases our trust in Him. Our patient, persistent plodding along the path of faith brings pleasure to God’s heart.
Salvation Comes Only Through Faith
Perhaps most significant about the necessity of faith is the Bible’s firm teaching that salvation from sin is received only by faith, not works. Ephesians 2:8-9 famously declares “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
If people could earn salvation through their own merits, efforts or goodness, then Christ died needlessly (Galatians 2:21). God chose to make faith the channel through which we are united to Christ and His finished work on the cross. Though we were dead in sin, by God’s grace we are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:5).
Striving to please God through works actually hinders people from coming to Him by faith alone. We bring nothing to the table. Salvation is wholly a work of God’s grace, received by repentant faith in what Jesus did for us. This magnifies God’s glory.
How to Grow in Pleasing God Through Faith
Since faith pleases our Father, followers of Jesus should actively pursue growth in this area. Here are some biblical ways to strengthen your faith:
– Pray as the man in Mark 9:24 did, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Ask God to increase your trust in Him.
– Read God’s word regularly to build faith (Romans 10:17). Meditate on verses about His trustworthiness.
– Step out in obedience and watch God come through. Taking risks for God grows faith.
– Thank God in the trials and remind yourself of His sovereignty, goodness and promises.
– Spend time with strong believers. Faith is contagious. Allow their faith to encourage yours.
– Make choices that demonstrate faith: tithe, sacrifice pleasures, serve others, share your faith.
– Keep your eyes on Christ through immersing yourself in the gospels. Seeing His life builds faith in Him.
– Make worship, scripture memory, fasting and other spiritual disciplines a regular part of life.
If you want a faith that endures and grows, staying connected to the Vine is essential. Abide in Jesus, and ask the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit of faithfulness in you (John 15:5, Galatians 5:22-23). God delights to develop a sturdy, thriving faith that remains steadfast through every season of life.
Conclusion
What an incredible promise that when we trust in God through faith, it pleases Him! He designed faith to be the doorway into relationship with Himself. While the world says, “Seeing is believing,” God says, “Believing is seeing!” Faith grasps the reality of God’s unseen kingdom (Hebrews 11:1). It brings assurance, conviction, obedience, perseverance and hope.
No matter how small our faith may be, when it is authentic, God sees it and is blessed. By His grace, our mighty Savior can take our weak faith and transform it into a sturdy foundation for a godly life. May Hebrews 11:6 inspire us to nurture a heart of faith that brings joy to our Father each day.