What does Hebrews 11:1 mean?

Hebrews 11:1, a verse often cited for its profound implications on the nature of faith, reads: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (KJV). This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding the Christian concept of faith, and it is essential to delve deeply into its meaning to appreciate its theological and practical significance.

To begin with, the Epistle to the Hebrews is a rich and complex text, traditionally attributed to Paul but whose authorship remains uncertain. The primary audience of this letter were Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were tempted to revert to Judaism. The epistle aims to encourage them to persevere in their faith in Jesus Christ, who is portrayed as the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament promises.

Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter" or the "Hall of Faith," lists numerous examples of Old Testament figures who exemplified faith. The chapter begins with a definition of faith, encapsulated in Hebrews 11:1. This verse is pivotal because it sets the stage for understanding the faith demonstrated by these biblical heroes.

The phrase "faith is the substance of things hoped for" can be unpacked to reveal layers of meaning. The Greek word translated as "substance" is "hypostasis," which can also mean "assurance" or "confidence." This suggests that faith provides a firm foundation or a confident assurance in what we hope for. The "things hoped for" refer to the promises of God, which include eternal life, the resurrection, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom. Faith, therefore, is not a vague wish or a blind leap into the unknown; it is a confident trust in God's promises, grounded in the character and faithfulness of God.

The second part of the verse, "the evidence of things not seen," further illuminates the nature of faith. The Greek word for "evidence" is "elegchos," which can also be translated as "conviction" or "proof." This indicates that faith acts as a conviction or proof of realities that are not visible to the human eye. These unseen realities include spiritual truths, the existence of God, and the workings of God's plan in the world. Faith, therefore, involves a deep conviction of these unseen realities, based on the trustworthiness of God's word and promises.

To understand the practical implications of this definition of faith, we can look at the examples provided in Hebrews 11. For instance, Abel's offering was accepted by God because it was given in faith (Hebrews 11:4). Enoch was taken up to heaven because he pleased God through his faith (Hebrews 11:5). Noah built the ark in reverent fear, trusting in God's warning of a coming flood, even though he had not yet seen any rain (Hebrews 11:7). Abraham obeyed God's call to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). These examples illustrate that faith involves trusting in God's promises and acting on that trust, even when the fulfillment of those promises is not immediately visible.

Moreover, Hebrews 11:1 has significant implications for the Christian life today. It calls believers to live by faith, trusting in the promises of God even when they are not yet seen. This means placing our confidence in God's character and His word, rather than relying solely on our circumstances or what we can see with our physical eyes. It involves a forward-looking hope, grounded in the assurance that God will fulfill His promises.

Faith also involves a present reality. The assurance and conviction that faith provides have practical implications for how we live our lives now. It shapes our attitudes, decisions, and actions. For example, faith in God's provision frees us from anxiety and allows us to be generous. Faith in God's justice enables us to endure suffering and injustice with hope. Faith in God's ultimate victory over evil empowers us to stand firm in our convictions and to work for good in the world.

Theologians and Christian writers have often reflected on the nature of faith as described in Hebrews 11:1. John Calvin, in his "Institutes of the Christian Religion," describes faith as a firm and certain knowledge of God's benevolence toward us, founded upon the truth of the freely given promise in Christ, both revealed to our minds and sealed upon our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Institutes, III.2.7). This echoes the idea that faith is both an assurance and a conviction, rooted in the trustworthiness of God's promises.

C.S. Lewis, in his book "Mere Christianity," describes faith as holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods. He emphasizes that faith involves both an intellectual assent to the truths of Christianity and a trust in God that affects our entire being. This aligns with the idea that faith is not just a mental agreement but a deep-seated conviction that shapes our lives.

In summary, Hebrews 11:1 provides a profound and comprehensive definition of faith. It describes faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This faith is grounded in the character and promises of God, and it has practical implications for how we live our lives. By looking at the examples of faith in Hebrews 11, we see that faith involves trusting in God's promises and acting on that trust, even when the fulfillment of those promises is not immediately visible. This verse calls believers to live by faith, placing our confidence in God's character and His word, and allowing that faith to shape our attitudes, decisions, and actions.