What is Faith?

Hebrews 11-Part 1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Hebrews 11:1-2 KJV

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  For by it the men of old gained approval.  NAS

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it give us assurance about things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.  NLT
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.  NIV

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by it our ancestors were approved.  CSB

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things[we] hope for, being the proof of things[we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed in the senses]. For by [faith-trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report.  Amplified

Faith in What We Don't See
The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.  The Message (MSG)

LET IT GLOW

In chapter 11, we move from doctrinal themes-Jesus is better than the prophets, angels, Moses and Joshua, the Levitical priests; the New Covenant is better than the old (salvation by faith), His heavenly tabernacle is better than the tent,  and once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus is better than the animal sacrifices which had to be repeated; Jesus interceeds for us as our High Priest at the right hand of God. We move to practical examples, faith practiced by others.

This chapter has several names: "The Roll Call of Faith,"  "The Hall of Faith," "Heroes of Faith," "The Saints' Hall of Fame," "The Honor Roll of Old Testament Saints." These are the "cloud of witnesses" mentioned in 12:1 who attest to the value of living by faith, testify that all should come to faith in God's truth in Christ.

What is faith? How do I describe or explain what faith is? How do you know that I have faith?
An example just happened to me this morning as I sit at my computer reading and typing:
I have faith, confidence, assurance, and believe that a skunk is walking around my house right now. Oh, I am not going to open the door, look outside, or even step out on the porch to see if I my statement is true.  Why do I say that? The evidence, proof, conviction, is the stinky ordor it leaves behind. I can't see the skunk or it's odor, but my nose detects the evidence.  Nothing compares to the unique scent of a skunk! Besides, my past experiences tell me that my nose is right this time. So I don't need to see the skunk to believe it is real and here.

All right, my word search in Thayer's Lexicon defines substance as confidence, firm trust, assurance and evidence as proof, conviction.

Liberty Bible Commentary says this about the first two verses:

Verse 1 is not so  much a definition of what faith is as it is a descriiption of what faith does.Two truths concerning its activity are stated here. First faith provides substance, which is hypostasis in the Greek. It occurs 20 times in the Septuagint and translates 12 different Hebrew words. It is used 5 times in the New Testament. (Falwell gives 4 if you want to read about them.) His conclusion is that substance used here means assurance. Second, faith provides evidence, which is the Greek word elegchos.It is evidence in the sense of proof which results in conviction. Of things hoped involves future hopes-the resurrection, the return of Christ, and the glorification of the saints.  Of things not seen involves present realities, unseen realitites, such as the forgiveness of sin through Christ's sacrifice and the present intercession of Christ in heaven. Hope is faith relating to the future; conviction is faith relating to the present. Faith is the affirmative response to God's will and Word. Man possesses faith when he takes God at His Word. One does not need to see something to believe it.

In John 20:29b, Jesus told Thomas Blessed are they that have not seen, yet have believed. 
Hebrews 12:2a describes Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith.

Is faith the foundation of my life? Do I depend on Jesus to provide my faith, hope for my future?

Here are some quotes from others that I felt were important to mention:
"True Bible faith is confident obedience to God's Word in spite of circumstances and consequences. The circumsstances may abe impossible, and the consequences frightening and unknown; but we obey God's Word just the same and believe Him to do what is right and what is best." (Waren Wiersbe)

"Faith enables the believing soul to treat the future as present and the invisible as seen." (J.Oswald Sanders)

"Faith is a sort of substitute for sight and possession. Faith gives to invisible things a substance. spiritual concepts that previously had no form, suddenly become embodied through faith. That which was once invisible becomes concrete and tangible." (Joni Eareckson Tada)

"Faith transcends the time-space framework in which we live this present life. It reaches to the high places where eternity can be seen beyond all present boundaries and barriers. Faith is the gift of seeing through all haze of doubt and the pollution of sin to the distant city of God set on the mountain of eternity. (Shepherd's Notes)


LET IT GROW

Men of old refers to all saints, both men and women, under the older covenant, a select few of whom are described in verses 4-40. They obtained a good testimony, report, which literally says "were testified to" or "had witness given about them." God bears witness on the behalf of these saints that they lived by faith and divine approval is granted to them. (MacArthur)

God has taken care that a record shall be kept and report made of the excellent things they did in the sstrength of this grace. the genuine actings of faith will bear to be reported, deserve to be reported, and will, when reported, redound to the honor of true believers.  (Matthew Henry)

How does faith grow? First, we come to God. Second, we believe He's there. Third, we count on Him to keep His word. (Swindoll)

Faith is like a muscle. As we exercise it, it grows and develops. God wants us to check out His Word. He wants us to commit ourselves to HIm and see if He will not do what He has pormised. (Shepherd's Notes)

If I were to go on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?

LET IT GO

Put my faith and hope in Jesus.

Live like I am one of those on the Roll Call of Faith.

Keep my faith growing.