Hebrews 11:1 proclaims, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (ESV)” or “Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. (NASB)” or “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV)”.
Faith in this verse of the Bible is the Greek word “Pistis”, meaning conviction of the truth, belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it. Relating to God, Faith is the conviction that God exists and is the Creator and Ruler of all things, the Provider and Bestower of eternal salvation through Christ. Relating to Christ, Faith is a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God.
The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines the word “faith” as: In theology, the assent of the mind or understanding to the truth of what God has revealed. Simple belief of the scriptures, of the being and perfections of God, and of the existence, character and doctrines of Christ, founded on the testimony of the sacred writers, is called historical or speculative faith. But includes evangelical, justifying, or saving faith, which is the assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God's testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God's character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to his guidance, and dependence on his merits for salvation. In other words, that firm belief of God's testimony, and of the truth of the gospel, which influences the will, and leads to an entire reliance on Christ for salvation.
Depending on the English Bible being read, the Greek word “Hypostasis” is translated as “assurance”. “certainty” or “substance” of this hoped for, meaning the existing, substantial, steadfast, supporting foundation that provides real firmness, courage, resolute and firm trust, with confidence, conviction and assurance of mind by an unshakeable faith and certain hope in the Almighty Lord and His holy Word to stand upon. As the classic Christian Hymn by R. Kelso Carter declares: “Standing on the promises of Christ my King, through eternal ages let his praises ring; glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, standing on the promises of God.”
By this unshakeable faith, the repentant, born-again Believer can confidently live out the Christian life building upon the sure foundation of redeeming grace. Romans 12:9-12 instructs us, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.”
In Christ, Brian
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