• The Author — “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2 NIV1984). As someone so aptly stated: “He blazed the way, finished the race, paid for our sins, and is now seated in the place of highest honor and authority. We look to Him, not only as our example but as our source of strength.”
When Jesus died on the cross, He opened the door for us to experience faith. “Since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…” (Heb. 10:19-22). He started it, and He oversees it to the end. How blessed we are!
• The Meaning — “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Heb. 11:1). Simply put, it means trusting God for things of which we have no evidence. Hope is not wishful thinking; faith is not blind. Rather, it is complete confidence that what God says will come to pass in His time.
“I’ll believe it when I see it!” We’ve all said that at times. Promises to return a book, start or finish a project, attend church, or meet an obligation mean nothing if they aren’t kept. Faith is the exact opposite. We believe because God promised. Even when the way isn’t clear and we struggle, faith will keep us going. Why? Because our hope is founded on Jesus. The Bible tells us plainly that “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).
• The Importance — “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). God’s grace is undeserved, yet it is His gift to us. His grace requires a response — faith and faith alone. Good works, which might include baptism, church attendance, tithing, or being a good person, might speak well of someone, but they will not save us.
Paul had reasons to boast. He was an Israelite, a Hebrew of Hebrews, and a Pharisee, whose zeal for persecuting the church and for exhibiting a legalistic righteousness was faultless. No longer feeling that way, he said, “…I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith” (Phil. 3:8-9).
• A Lifestyle — Good works have a place in our lives — but not for salvation. James said, “What good is it… if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?” (James 2:14). We might wish someone well and hope that her needs get met, but then do nothing to help her. True faith naturally produces good works. It gives action to our words. “In the same way faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). Genuine faith is made evident in our response to others through love and concern.
“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” (Heb. 11:6).
