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.
Hebrews 11:3
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.
Meaning:
This verse is part of Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter" or "Hall of Faith," where the author emphasizes the importance of faith in the lives of believers by highlighting the examples of faithful individuals throughout biblical history. In Hebrews 11:3, the focus shifts to the very foundation of faith, illustrating how faith allows us to grasp the divine truth about the creation of the universe.
Significance
By Faith We Understand: The verse begins by affirming that faith is the means through which we gain understanding. This statement is profound because it suggests that certain truths, particularly those related to God and the origins of the universe, are not accessible through human reason alone but require faith. Faith is not a blind leap into the unknown; rather, it is a confident trust in the reliability of God's word and character. It is through faith that we come to accept and understand things that transcend our natural senses.
The Universe Has Been Framed by the Word of God: The author of Hebrews asserts that the universe—everything that exists—was created by the word of God. This echoes the account of creation in Genesis 1, where God speaks the world into existence. Each element of creation, from light to land to living beings, came into being through God's command. The word "framed" (or "formed" in some translations) suggests not just the act of creation but also the idea of order and purpose. The universe is not a random collection of matter but a carefully designed work, brought into existence by God's intentional and powerful word.
This highlights the power of God's word, showing that it is not only informative but creative. God's word has the authority to bring things into existence, shaping reality according to His will. This concept challenges us to recognize the supreme power and sovereignty of God over all creation.
What is Seen Has Not Been Made Out of Things Which Are Visible: This final part of the verse underscores the idea that the visible, physical world was created from the invisible. This affirms the biblical view that God, who is spirit and invisible, created the material universe. The creation of the universe from nothing (ex nihilo) is a concept that is difficult, if not impossible, to fully comprehend through human reasoning alone. It is a truth that we accept by faith, trusting in the revelation of Scripture.
This statement also suggests that there is more to reality than what we can see. It reminds us that the material world is not all there is; there is an invisible, spiritual dimension that is equally real. This has significant implications for how we view the world and live our lives. It challenges us to look beyond the physical and to recognize the spiritual truths that underlie our existence.
- The Role of Faith in Understanding Creation
Hebrews 11:3 places faith at the very beginning of our understanding of reality. The verse invites us to view the world not merely through the lens of scientific observation or human reasoning but through the lens of faith. This does not mean that science or reason are unimportant, but rather that they are not sufficient on their own to grasp the full picture of the universe's origins and purpose. Faith is essential because it opens us to the divine truth revealed in Scripture, enabling us to understand the deeper reality behind what we see.
In a world where the origins of the universe are often debated and where materialism (the belief that only physical matter is real) is prevalent, Hebrews 11:3 stands as a powerful reminder of the biblical perspective. It calls us to trust in God's word and to recognize that the ultimate source of everything is not physical matter but the invisible, spiritual reality of God's creative power.
Application in Our Lives
Cultivating Faith: We are encouraged to deepen our faith by immersing ourselves in Scripture, allowing God's word to shape our understanding of the world and our place in it.
Recognizing God's Sovereignty: This verse challenges us to live with an awareness of God's sovereignty and creative power, trusting that He is in control of all things.
Seeing Beyond the Visible: It invites us to look beyond the material world and to acknowledge the spiritual realities that are foundational to our existence.
Cross-References:
Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse of the Bible aligns with Hebrews 11:3, affirming that God is the creator of all things.
John 1:1-3: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made." This passage speaks of Jesus (the Word) as the agent of creation, reinforcing the idea that the universe was brought into existence by God's word.
Colossians 1:16-17: "For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things are held together." This verse highlights Christ's role in creation and the sustaining power of His word.
Conclusion: Hebrews 11:3 is a powerful verse that challenges us to understand the universe and our existence through the lens of faith. It reminds us that the physical world is a product of God's word and that the visible comes from the invisible. This understanding shapes our view of reality, calling us to trust in God's creative power and to live in alignment with the spiritual truths revealed in Scripture. Through faith, we come to see the world not just as a collection of physical objects but as the intentional, ordered creation of a loving and sovereign God.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible