The evidence of things not seen

Bible Reading: Hebrews 11
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The word used here to help us understand faith is 'substance'. The Greek word means a 'setting under' or an 'assurance'. It is like saying faith is the foundation. It means to stand up under something like a pillar supports a bridge.

Faith is the assurance that things hoped for will come to pass. It is confidence that what you hope for is founded upon something that is sure and steady.

It is also the 'evidence' of things not seen. A hunter is convinced that what he is stalking is at hand, not because he has seen the animal, but because he has seen the evidence (tracks, sign, etc.) As believers, we have not seen Jesus, but we believe and faith is the evidence of things not seen.

John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Faith is to believe the Word of God. It is solid and sure and you can be convinced that what you have not seen is real because of the evidence you do see. Heaven and hell are real even though you have not seen them. Jesus is alive and at the right hand of the Majesty on high. How do we know? Because he promised in his Word. His Word never fails. He cannot lie. Believe Jesus!

In Christ,
Rody