Have you questioned your faith or wondered if you have what it takes to accomplish the task set before you? Whatever your doubt, fear, failure, struggle, trial, heartache, addiction, or suffering, God’s word teaches that you can have a faith that endures. The heroes listed in Hebrews 11 teach us what faith is and how to have faith in God that does not shrink back in the face of trials.
The Definition of Faith
People have varying definitions of faith. Some people think of faith as a guiding light in times of darkness. Others define it as a source of strength and hope. The various messages that our culture presents offer conflicting messages about what faith is.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Based on this definition, we can explore what faith is and what faith isn’t.
What Faith Isn’t…
- Faith is not a feeling. It’s more than an emotion.
- Faith is not empty religion or superstition.
- Faith is not merely wishful thinking.
While faith can evoke strong feelings, it is not dependent on them. Emotions are fleeting and can change with circumstances, but true faith in God remains steadfast.
Our faith in God is relational, not ritualistic or legalistic. He is real, living, and active in every part of our lives. When we ask Him for something in faith, we can trust that He will answer.
What Faith Is…
- Faith is trusting in divine facts.
- Faith is believing and obeying God even when it seems impossible.
- Faith is believing God will perform all that He’s promised.
- Faith is trusting what God has said no matter what you see.
Faith is a decision to trust God's promises, regardless of how you feel. It is trust based on the evidence of who He is and what He has done.
The Bible is filled with examples of God’s faithfulness, from the creation of the world to Jesus's resurrection. The stories of faith recorded in Hebrews 11 summarize many of these examples.
The Hebrews Hall of Faith
Faith in God involves believing in His character, promises, and plans for our lives. This kind of faith is exemplified by the heroes of the faith listed in Hebrews 11, which is often referred to as “Heaven’s Hall of Faith.”
- Their faith pleased God.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”—Hebrews 11:6
The heroes in the Hall of Faith believed and obeyed God, even when it seemed impossible. Their obedience by faith pleased Him.
2. They received promises from God without seeing their fulfillment.
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”–Hebrews 11:13
These individuals, from Abel to Samuel, all received promises from God, but they died before seeing those promises fulfilled.
3. They suffered for God.
“They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy.” –Hebrews 11:37-38
The heroes in the Hall of Faith suffered greatly for their faith. But they were steadfast, obedient, and perseverant because they trusted in God’s promises.
4. We get to follow in their footsteps.
“And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”–Hebrews 11:39-40
The men and women in the Hall of Faith were steadfast and faithful without receiving the promise. Since we have received the promise of salvation in Jesus, we have even more reason to persevere through trials and difficulties.
The Role of Faith in Salvation
Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
This passage underscores that faith in God is the means by which we receive salvation. It is not something we earn through our efforts but a gift we accept through trust in Jesus Christ.
Our works are not the source of our salvation. Instead, they are the reflection of it. The heroes in the hall of faith teach us that faith in God produces a life of obedience and good works, not as a means to earn God's favor but as a response to His grace.
Living by Faith: Practical Applications
While faith in God begins with salvation, it does not end there. Growing your faith and trusting God involves daily decisions to rely on His wisdom, strength, and guidance. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 teach us how to live out faith in God during various seasons.
- Faith in Times of Temptation and Tribulation
Trusting God during difficult times is a mark of genuine faith. Living by faith requires us to trust God in the midst of trials, believing that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
- Faith in God's Promises
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 waited years, sometimes decades for God's promises to be fulfilled. Not all of them saw the fulfillment of His promises. Their patience and perseverance are examples for us. Faith in God’s promises means trusting His timing and believing that His promises are true, even when we do not see immediate results.
- Faith in Daily Life
Faith in God should permeate every area of our lives, from our relationships to our careers. Our vocations as opportunities for mission, where we can be a light for Christ.
A Life Changed by Faith
James 2:26 states, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Genuine faith in God will be evident in our actions. It is not enough to profess faith with our lips; it must be demonstrated in our lives.
Hebrews 11:4 shares how Abel lived a life changed by faith, “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.”
Abel's faith was shown through his obedience to God, offering a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. His life, though he is long dead, still speaks as a testimony of faith in God.
For those whose faith is placed upon Jesus, there is no “Plan B.” Our response is like that of Peter’s in John 6:68-69.
- “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”—John 6:68-69
Like those in the Hall of Faith, believers today will sin and make mistakes. But the promises of God are not contingent upon us being perfect, or on any human being’s effort other than the perfect, finished work of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is both the object and the evidence of our faith. Our faith in Him compels us forward to the better promises—which bring peace, hope, and love.
Takeaway
In a world where uncertainty and doubt often prevail, faith in God provides a solid foundation. It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By understanding what faith is and reading about the heroes of the faith who have gone before us, we find strength, hope, and purpose, knowing that we are part of a greater story written by a faithful and loving God.
Do you want to grow in your understanding of what faith is and how to live it out? Sign up to get a FREE copy of our Book of Hebrews Bible Study. The study contains a 25-week video series with weekly questions to help you flourish in your faith.