The Foundation of Biblical Faith Hebrews 11:1-3
The grand writer of the book of Hebrews has given a superb exposition that exalted the Person and Work of Jesus Christ. This superb exposition was essential because some of his Jewish audience were in danger of abandoning their faith in Christ and reverting to Judaism. It was the author’s crucial intention to present to his audience that Jesus Christ is Superior to anything that Judaism has to offer.
He demonstrated unequivocally that Christ is Superior to the Prophet (Hebrews 1:1-4) because Christ is the Finality of God’s Revelation; Christ is Superior to Angels (Hebrews 1:5-2:18) because Angels were created by Him; Christ is Superior to Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6) because Moses was just a servant in the house, but Christ was over the house; Christ has a Superior Priesthood because the Aaronic succession of Priests died but Christ’s Priesthood is Eternal.
In the previous warning section, the writer discussed the theme of living by faith in Hebrews 10:37-39. Brothers and Sisters, as we traverse these mundane shores of 2020, we must understand that God wants us to live by faith. Every person who has been made righteous by God must live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38). It is crucial that we walk by faith because Hebrews 11:6 says: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
Briefly in verses 1-2, the author offers to us two fundamental considerations regarding faith: I. Faith’s Description – Hebrews 11:1; II. Faith Demonstrated – Hebrews 11:2.
- Faith’s Description – Hebrews 11:1
There are two basic considerations regarding faith: its basic nature (v. 1) and the honor associated with it (vv. 2-3). First and foremost, the author of Hebrews stresses the importance of faith to a persevering life of godliness. The author begins Chapter 11:1 by giving to us a description of biblical faith. Faith is described as the “substance (assurance, reality) of things hoped for.” He emphasized that faith is the basis of one’s hope to receive the eternal promises of God.
The basic meaning of the term translated “substance” is something that is set under something else to support it. It is used of a strong base or foundation that will firmly hold what is put on it so that one can have complete assurance in what it holds. Faith undergirds our hope; faith in reality, anchors our hope. Faith gives us assured confidence that what we are hoping for will be a reality. The object of our faith is God and God’s promises are as sure as His Person. The “things hoped for” are things expected or looked for! There is no doubt they shall be received!
Biblical faith is complete confidence in God. No question exists as to whether God will keep all the promises in His Word! Not only is faith the “substance of things hoped for,” but is the “evidence of things not seen.” The term “evidence” refers to proof. Brothers and Sisters, we have proof about unseen realities because the object of our faith is God. Brothers and Sisters, we have a changeless God, and because He does not change, His promises to us do not change with time. Yes, we serve a changeless God, for Hebrews 13:8 says: “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.”
Having discussed “Faith’s Description” Hebrews 11:1, now let us discuss “Faith Demonstrated – Hebrews 11:2.
- Faith Demonstrated – Hebrews 11:2-3
The writer related to his readers that their ancestors, Israel’s elders, had obtained a good report. The elders obtained God’s approval because they walked by faith. God commended these elders for their walk of faith. The Old Testament patriarchs or worthies were commended for it, and it is a way of viewing all things (v. 2). Through faith, we know that this vast universe was framed by the fiat of God (v. 3).
In conclusion, Brothers and Sisters. God has not only saved us by faith, but He wants us to walk by faith, for we walk by faith and not by sight. Now as we walk daily by faith, let us look up to Jesus, who modeled the life of faith for Hebrews 12:2 says: “Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right Hand of the throne of God.” Jesus Christ, the Matchless Son of God; Jesus, born in Bethlehem, reared in Nazareth, One who lived an impeccable life, died on a tree of shame. On Calvary He died, but that is not the end of the gospel story; He was buried, but early Sunday morning, He rose triumphantly. And because of His triumphant Victory, we have hope and an eternal home in heaven. The hymn writer wrote: I’ll Fly Away
Some glad morning when this life is over,
I’ll fly away.
To a home on God’s celestial shore,
I’ll fly away.
I’ll fly away, O Glory,
I’ll fly away. (In the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye,
I’ll fly away.
Just a few more weary days and then,
I’ll fly away.
To a land where joy shall never end,
I’ll fly away.
I’ll fly away, O Glory,
I’ll fly away. (In the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye,
I’ll fly away..
May God Truly Bless!
