What is Faith

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for."-(Hebrews 11:1-2)

There is no clearer explanation of faith in all the Scriptures than the one found in (Hebrews 11:1) (NIV): "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." The two key words here are sure and certain. Faith is about being sure and certain of something. This raises the question at the heart of the confusion often surrounding the topic of faith: Sure and certain about what? When can we be sure and certain God is going to act? When can we know for sure He is going to do what we ask?

Fortunately, the author (whose identity is a mystery) answers that question in no uncertain terms. Interestingly enough, he introduces his explanation in this way: "This is what the ancients were commended for." This refers to faith. The people whose stories he is about to recount were all men and women who had faith; they were sure and certain about something. They were sure and certain about the right things.

As he recites the experiences of some of our favourite Bible characters, along with some of the most spectacular events recorded in Scripture, it becomes evident why the ancient men and women were so sure and certain. Furthermore, the author gives us some unmistakable clues about the things we can be sure and certain about.

He begins with the creation story and moves right on through the story of Abraham. He takes us on a historical journey through the life of Moses including the parting of the Red Sea. He speaks about Joshua, Gideon, David, and Samuel. Each man's life is associated with "by faith."

But something else is associated with each of these characters. In some cases it is stated outright. In others it is merely implied. That something else is a promise. The men and women were so certain and sure because each had received a promise from God. They were confident that God would do exactly what He promised. And that is the essence of faith.

The term promise, or some derivative, appears eighteen times in Hebrews. It appears seven times in this one chapter alone. What is the significance of that? Faith and the promises of God go hand in hand.

Where there is no promise, there can be no faith-only hope. Notice the connection in the following verse: "By faith Abraham, even though he was past age-and Sarah herself was barren- was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise" (v. 11 NIV). The basis of Abraham's faith was the promise of God. He believed he and Sarah would have a child in their old age because God promised they would. Their faith followed a promise. Every person mentioned in this chapter was given a promise of some kind. Faith was grounded in the promise of God.

Faith, then, is confidence in the promises of God or, as stated earlier, confidence that God will do what He has