The Definition Of Faith

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Faith Is Substance

Faith is the "substance" of things we hope for. The word "substance" comes from the Greek word, "hupostasis", that means "a setting under or support"...in other words, a foundation. Faith is the foundation of those things that we hope for...the support on which we build all our ambitions, dreams and life's goals. Without faith to believe that everything will turn out OK we are certain of an unhappy, insecure and unsuccessful life. But with faith, all things are possible to him who believes.

Millions of people are hoping for eternal life...and their foundation for that hope is the faith they have in God's mercy and eternal plan of salvation through His only begotten son, Jesus Christ. Any spiritual hope, or foundation of faith, must be built on a solid rock of truth. Faith in any other salvation than what the One true God has provided is a faith built on sinking sand. There is one opportunity in life to prepare for the next life. Life is too short and death is too certain for our faith to be grounded on any other hope than the solid and credible foundation of truth as revealed in God's word.

Faith Is Evidence

Faith also is the "evidence" of things not seen. From the Greek word "elegchos", which means proof or conviction, we have our English word "evidence".

This is a word that most modern day people understand, as it is used in our legal system and our scientific communities. We are a people who demands documented evidence as the credible source of our belief systems. Unfortunately, that demand is often abused and sidetracked. For instance, our educational process has totally sidetracked the evidence of "evolution" while it teaches this theory to our children in public schools as a real science...although there is no credible documentation to prove it as fact.

But when it comes to spiritual matters, only those who have truly searched the truth of God and His word for themselves, appreciate that the evidence is unquestionable and without challenge. There is no legitimate argument against the existence of God or against the truth of the Bible, His word.

The "evidence" of things not seen is found in the reality of God, in the reality of His word, in the reality of pure human experiences throughout the ages...and the reality of those all around us that continually support everything God has spoken and promised in His word.

We may not be able to see God with our physical eyes, but we who have a personal relationship with Him know very well that life without Him is not an option.