The journey of faith

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.– Hebrews 11:1, ESV

Few words in the English language have more diverse meanings than the word faith. We talk about having faith in God and in people, and keeping the faith, which means putting into practice what you believe. Some think of faith as a mental bridge to an unknown substance, person or quantity. In some cases they think of it as believing in something which is not there or cannot be demonstrated but which they hope or wish is there.

“Don’t talk to me about faith,” some say, quickly adding, “Talk to me about real things – things I can see and feel and experience.” Yet, that is exactly what the Bible says faith is. Realizing that to believe in something you do not see is challenging to your intellect and experience, the writer of Scripture said this, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, KJV).

There are two words that are keys to understanding the definition. The first word, translated substance (Remember that “faith is the substance of what you hope for”?) is the same word that was used in Roman days for the title deed to a piece of property. Suppose you wanted to purchase a piece of property in the city of Athens, but you lived in Rome. You paid the money for the property and received a title deed – signed and sealed. The property is yours.

The second word, translated evidence, means it is the proof of what you hope for. “OK,” you say, “but when it comes to believing in someone or something that I have never seen, I have problems feeling that it is for real.” As Elton Trueblood put it, “Faith is not belief without proof but trust without reservation.” That’s what real faith is about.

* * *

Used with permission from Guidelines International Ministries. To learn more about Guidelines and the ministry, send an e-mail to in[email protected]. You may also visit www.guidelines.org.