is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.
Context / meaning
Hebrews 10 [35.] Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward. For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
“In a very little while,
he who comes will come, and will not wait.
But the righteous will live by faith.
If he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”[f]
Hebrews 10 [39.] But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.
Hebrews 11 [1.] Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. For by this, the elders obtained testimony. By faith, we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible. By faith, Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had testimony given to him that he was righteous, God testifying with respect to his gifts; and through it he, being dead, still speaks.
Footnotes:
f. Hebrews 10:38 Habakkuk 2:3-4.
This verse provides a definition of faith, which is one of the central themes of the book of Hebrews. The author of Hebrews is writing to a group of Jewish Christians who are facing persecution and temptation to return to their former way of life and abandon their faith in Jesus Christ.
In Hebrews 11:1, faith is described as "the assurance of things hoped for" and "the conviction of things not seen." This means that faith is a confident belief in things that are not yet visible or tangible. It is the conviction that God exists and that his promises are true, even though we cannot see or touch him directly.
Through faith, we can be assured of the reality of things that are not yet visible, such as heaven, the resurrection, and the return of Jesus Christ. This faith gives us a sense of hope and security, even in the midst of trials and difficulties.
The author of Hebrews goes on to describe the faith of various Old Testament figures, such as Abraham, Moses, and Noah, who trusted in God's promises even though they did not always understand them. Their faith is held up as an example for the readers of the letter, and they are encouraged to remain faithful in their own struggles.
The definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 is crucial for understanding the book of Hebrews and its message to the readers. Faith is presented as a central component of the Christian life, and the author of Hebrews emphasizes that it is through faith that we can lay hold of the promises of God and experience his blessings in our lives.
Faith is also described as a necessary component for pleasing God. In Hebrews 11:6, it says, "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 means that faith is not just a matter of belief, but of trust and obedience. When we have faith in God, we are demonstrating that we trust in him and his promises, and we are obedient to his will.
In addition to its role in our relationship with God, faith is also essential for our spiritual growth and development. The author of Hebrews encourages the readers to develop their faith by considering the examples of those who have gone before them, and by persevering in the face of trials and temptations. Through faith, we can overcome obstacles, experience God's grace and peace, and grow in our relationship with him.
The definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 also has important implications for our understanding of the relationship between faith and works. While faith is not a substitute for good works, it is the foundation for them. Good works are the natural result of a life lived in faith, and they demonstrate the reality of our faith to the world.
In conclusion, Hebrews 11:1 provides a definition of faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This faith is essential for pleasing God, for spiritual growth and development, and for demonstrating the reality of our relationship with him through good works.
Hebrews 11:1. Faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.
faith
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible