Faith. That’s what we all have. We have faith. We have faith
in God. We have faith in Jesus. It is God’s gift to all believer's in Jesus.
Biblehub.com, Barnes Notes on the Bible: “There is scarcely
any verse of the New Testament more important than this, for it states what is
the nature of all true faith and is the only definition of it which is
attempted in the Scriptures. Eternal life depends on the existence and exercise
of faith, and hence, the importance of an accurate understanding of its nature.”
This opening verse in Hebrews 11 encapsulates the very
nature of faith. It goes beyond mere belief and trust; it involves a deep
conviction in the promises of God, even when we cannot tangibly perceive them.
Somehow when we are saved, God instills in us this knowledge
that we hope for, and we know it is true. It resides inside of us firm and
secure. It never lets us down. This verse is the opening of a remarkable
account of the “Hall of Faith” in this chapter, highlighting the lives of
numerous Old Testament figures who demonstrated unwavering trust in God.
Bibleref.com: “Our perspective, looking back on their 'Hall
of Faith' example, should inspire confidence that God will make good on His
promises, even if our earthly lives don't last long enough to see them come to
fruition. God ‘creates’ out of things we cannot see—both in a literal, physical
sense, as well as a spiritual sense. Just because we don't
understand how God will act does not mean He cannot or will not act.”
Ephesians 2:8: “For it is by grace you have been
saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of
God.”
Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: “Faith
always has been the mark of God's servants, from the beginning of the world.
Where the principle is planted by the regenerating Spirit of God, it will cause
the truth to be received, concerning justification by the sufferings and merits
of Christ. And the same things that are the object of our hope, are the object
of our faith. It is a firm persuasion and expectation, that God will perform
all He has promised to us in Christ.”
Never let your faith grow cold. God has instilled it in us to
carry us forward with hope and assurance until the day He takes us home. Be
sure of it.
By His Grace . . .
