WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD

PROCLAMATION

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”   Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)  In other words, “Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by an unknown human author under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the Hebrew believers and indirectly to all believers.  In this eleventh chapter the author discusses “faith,” including what it is and how it is put into action.  He begins with a definition of what “faith” is. (Hebrews 11:1)  Faith depends on The Lord God and He is the object of our faith.  It is based upon our belief in Him and not in the things that we can see.  The author then presents several practical examples of how faith was demonstrated in the past by certain individuals. (Hebrews 11:2-11 and 11:17-31)  Then he mentioned some of the things that people went through and endured because of their faith. (Hebrews 11:32-38)

 

APPLICATION

Faith requires a belief in God.  Our salvation is based upon our belief in The Lord God.  Our earthly and heavenly rewards are based upon our works, living a Christian life.  Our salvation comes by faith, and our Christian walk also depends on our faith.  It was by faith that Enoch walked with God. (Genesis 5:24)  The faith which guides our walk cannot be seen, but the people around us can see the effects of our faith in our behavior and actions.  We are blessed for believing without seeing. (John 20:29)  The only way we can please The Lord God is by having faith in Him.  If we have faith in Him, then we must walk, talk, and act in such a way as to demonstrate it because faith without works is dead. (James 2:26)