Faith

August 18, 2022 (Thursday)

 

After tossing out a head scratcher at the end of Hebrews 10 (the possibility of shrinking back in our faith and ending in complete and utter destruction), we have an explanation of faith. I’m guessing, if we were left with the idea we could shrink back in our faith, the immediate question is what kind of faith saves.

 

The answer is found in Hebrews 11, starting with the definition: "Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see." [Hebrews 11:1 CEB] Most modern translations use the word "assurance" rather than "reality." It is hard for physical beings to understand spiritual reality. The Greek word is "hupostasis," which can mean "foundation." The idea is the real substance of something. Aristotle used the word to indicate a belief that one holds firmly. In business, the Greek and Roman world used it to mean a guarantee of a transaction (like a title or deed).

 

What we hope for and what we see would seem to be on two levels. Paul notes, “We live by faith and not by sight.” [2 Corinthians 5:7 CEB] There is a principle that goes beyond what we can see to an absolute trust in God. One of the challenges we have is interpreting what we see. Thus, we allow faith to interpret our experiences.

 

This faith includes justifying faith but includes much more, as the examples (which follow in Hebrews 11) indicate. Hebrews 11:2, continues, "The elders in the past were approved because they showed faith." [CEB] The rest of the book describes the epic adventures of these elders. Many died, while others suffered. Some were misunderstood while others suffered soul-sucking experiences. One of the toughest might have been Isaac. Other than being sacrificed by his father, nothing happened. He blessed his sons based on a life of nothing happening. He was little more than the next link in the chain. On the other hand, nothing significant had to happen for him to follow God.

 

What happens when nothing happens? Prayer seems to go unanswered. Healing sought is left without response. Worse yet, what happens when God turns us down? Paul had this frustrating experience: "I pleaded with the Lord three times for it to leave me alone. He said to me, "My grace is enough for you." [1 Corinthians 12:8 – 9a CEB] Faith does not demand experience. Faith rests confidently on Jesus, rather than on experience. The need to see or experience is a weak, possibly misleading, "faith" that will cause us to experience the "shrinking faith" of Hebrews 10:39. It’s not the kind of faith that saves.