Faith is a word we talk about a lot in theology. It is common in discussions because it is an essential tenant. In fact when we discuss Christianity and Jesus we discuss it as “the Faith.” That’s not by accident.
Salvation comes by God’s grace through faith in Jesus and what He has done for us on the cross and through the empty tomb (Ephesians 2:8-10). In that statement are some key words like grace and faith (not to mention God and Jesus and the cross and the tomb).
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Grace is a concept we should explore another time but today we’re focusing on faith.
Our scripture repeats it numerous times and it’s one of my favorite passages. There is so much in it that is profound, helpful, humbling, and encouraging; so much that points me away from myself and toward God.
We can start by the first verse; “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
If something can be seen and proved, it isn’t faith.
The word itself is closely associated and connected with the words trust and conviction.
But we often lack in our faith and trust because we focus on the “what” and the “how” instead of on the “Who.” We want to put faith only in those things that can be substantiated by other means like our science or our sensibilities.
But that’s not how it works.
To put faith and trust in someone or something demands that that someone or something be faithful and trustworthy. Our sensibilities and science are not and cannot be fully faithful and trustworthy all the time because they change, they meander, they stray, they fail.
God doesn’t. Ever.
God is full of faith and worthy of trust in every situation and in every time and place. He is the only one who is faithful and trustworthy; the only One who deserves our faith and our trust because He has shown Himself time and time again to be such. He has never failed and never will.
Regardless of what anyone or anything else says we can put our full faith and trust in our Heavenly Father, who created and sustains us; in Jesus, who redeemed and saved us; and then the Holy Spirit, who brings us to faith, strengthens us in it, and keeps us in that Faith to life everlasting.
No matter what comes our way our faith can be unshaken when placed in Him, and nowhere else.
That is stabilizing! That is comforting! That gives us strength and confidence!
“Thank You Lord, for being always faithful and always trustworthy. Forgive us when we have been neither. Help us to put off and away anything that would shake our faith in You and You alone, through Jesus Christ our Lord. In His holy, precious, and trustworthy name do we pray. Amen.”
Scriptures
- Hebrews 11:1-16
- Psalm 33:12-22
