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Hebrews 11:6 & meaning

Without 

faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

Context

Hebrews 11 [5.] By faith, Enoch was taken away, so that he wouldn’t see death, and he was not found, because God translated him. For he has had testimony given to him that before his translation he had been well pleasing to God. Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. By faith, Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, moved with godly fear,[a] prepared a ship for the saving of his house, through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went. By faith, he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. 


Meaning:

This verse is a cornerstone in the discussion of faith within the New Testament, highlighting the essential nature of faith in a believer's relationship with God.

Faith Defined: Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame." It illustrates what faith looks like through the lives of various Old Testament figures.

Purpose of the Chapter: The chapter aims to encourage believers to persevere in faith, using the examples of those who lived by faith to inspire and instruct.

  • Verses Leading to Hebrews 11:6:

Verse 1: "Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen."

Verse 2: "For by it the elders obtained testimony."

These verses set the stage for the explanation and exemplification of faith that follows.


Significance

  • The Necessity of Faith:

Pleasing God: The verse underscores that faith is not optional but essential. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. This highlights the centrality of faith in the believer's life and relationship with God.

Faith’s Two Components:

Belief in God’s Existence: This foundational belief is more than acknowledgment; it involves trusting in God’s reality, His being, and His nature.

Belief in God’s Reward: Faith also includes the assurance that God is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him. This means trusting in God’s promises and His goodness, expecting that He will reward those who diligently pursue Him.


Theological Significance

  • Faith as the Foundation of Relationship:

God’s Desire for Relationship: This verse reveals that God desires a relationship with us based on trust and faith. It’s not merely about actions or adherence to rules but about a trusting relationship with Him.

Contrast with Works: This contrasts with the idea that one can earn God’s favor through works alone. Faith is the means by which we are justified and pleasing to God, aligning with passages like Romans 3:28 and Galatians 2:16.

  • Faith’s Role in Salvation:

Universal Principle: The principle that “without faith it is impossible to please God” applies universally, whether in the Old Testament or the New Testament. It underscores that faith is the key to a right relationship with God.


Practical Applications

  • Cultivating a Faith That Pleases God:

Believing in God’s Existence: Regularly affirm and reflect on the reality of God’s existence. This involves not just intellectual assent but a deep, personal trust in God’s reality.

Seeking God Diligently: Engage in practices that help you seek God earnestly—through prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship. Hebrews 11:6 encourages us to seek God with a sincere heart, trusting that He rewards those who seek Him.

  • Living by Faith:

Stepping Out in Trust: Faith often requires stepping out in obedience and trust, even when the path is unclear or challenging. Consider the lives of the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11, who acted on God’s promises despite their circumstances.

Daily Trust in God’s Promises: Make it a daily practice to trust in God’s promises, whether in times of trial or in moments of blessing. This builds a life that continually seeks God’s reward and presence.


Cross-References:

James 2:17: "Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself." James emphasizes that true faith is evidenced by actions. Faith without works is not genuine faith, aligning with the idea that faith must be active and alive.

Matthew 6:33: "But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well." Jesus encourages us to seek God’s kingdom first, trusting that God will provide for our needs. This aligns with the idea that God rewards those who seek Him.

Romans 10:17: "So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Faith is nurtured and strengthened through hearing God’s Word. This highlights the importance of Scripture in building a faith that pleases God.


Conclusion: Hebrews 11:6 profoundly underscores that faith is foundational to a relationship with God. It reveals that our faith must encompass both belief in God’s existence and trust in His promises, and it highlights that such faith is crucial for pleasing God. As we reflect on this verse, let us be encouraged to deepen our faith, seeking God earnestly and trusting in His promises, knowing that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.


PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible

 

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