What is faith?
The Scriptural definition of faith along with an example of it is found in Hebrews 11:1-3;
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of [Elohim], so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
There are actually two definitions in verse one. First, faith is “the substance (foundation) of things hoped for”. Throughout Scripture we read of various promises made by our Creator such as the forgiveness of all our sins; a resurrection from the dead unto eternal life; the coming of the Messiah; the coming of Yahweh’s Kingdom on earth, etc. Faith is a confident expectation/belief of these promises coming to pass.
The second definition of faith is “the evidence of things not seen”. In the example given, we did not see the worlds (universe) being created by Yahweh speaking them into existence. By faith we believe this to be true because we believe the Scriptures to be true.
On the other hand, those who don’t believe there is a Creator who created the universe choose to believe in the “Big Bang” theory. They did not see the Big Bang take place, nor is there any evidence of it. They simply choose to believe BY FAITH the words of the scientist that came up with that theory.
So then, those who believe in a Creator do so by faith and those who don’t believe in a Creator do so by faith. Where will you put your faith; in the Creator spoken of in Scripture (the Bible) or in a scientist in his theory of how the universe came to be?
Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to [Elohim] must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
Do you believe that Yahweh Elohim exists and that He rewards those that seek Him? If not, then it is impossible for you to live a pleasing life in His sight. All of creation testifies of the existence of a Creator.
Romans 1:18-20 – For the wrath of [Elohim] is revealed from heaven against all wickedness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of [Elohim] is manifest in them; for [Elohim] has showed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and deity; so that they are without excuse:
Do you hold the truth in unrighteousness by rejecting it and believing scientists that say there is no Creator? If so, you need to stop and examine the glory of all that fills our planet. Consider the human eye and brain; the flowers of the field; the variety of life; the way all things work perfectly together to support life, etc. Then ask yourself if all this came to be by a lifeless speck of dust. Then ask yourself where that speck of dust came from and who created it? There is no doubt whatsoever that a Creator exists. Accept it by faith instead of accepting the theories of man by faith.
Why it is important to have faith
Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of [Elohim]: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Yahweh saves people from eternal death by His grace (unmerited kindness). Yet, that grace is not given except “through faith”. When we put our faith in Yahweh and His Son Yeshua, we will be saved and granted eternal life. We cannot earn our salvation by working for it (by doing good deeds, feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, etc.). Salvation is a gift given by grace through faith.
Colossians 1:21-23 – And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Once we believe the gospel (good news that Yeshua died for our sins, arose from the dead, ascended into heaven) by faith and continue in that faith, we will stand before our Creator and His Son Yeshua without any charges that can be brought against us. We will be without blame come judgment day.
Ephesians 6:16 – Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Faith is a shield to protect us from our enemy’s attempts to cause us to fall or sin. When we are being attacked or tempted to sin, we remember the promises and commandments of our Creator and hold fast to them through faith. When we are tempted to commit adultery, steal, covet or any other sinful action, we exercise faith in our Creator’s words to not do those things and we remember the promises He made to those who obey Him.
1 Peter 1:5-9 – Who are kept by the power of [Elohim] through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in sorrow through many temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Yeshua Messiah: Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
As we go through life, we will face many trials, tribulations and temptations. These all test our faith and refine it into its purest state. Then, when our Savior Yeshua returns whom we have never seen, we will receive the reward of remaining faithful, that is, salvation unto eternal life.
Romans 1:16-17 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Messiah: for it is the power of [Elohim] unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of [Elohim] revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Once again, salvation is the reward of those who live by faith.
The consequences of having no faith
Romans 11:20-23 – Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Be not high minded, but fear: For if [Elohim] spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not you. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of [Elohim]: on them which fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness: otherwise you also shall be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for [Elohim] is able to graft them in again.
Israel is spoken of as an olive tree. Those Israelites that did not have faith and did not believe the gospel are branches that were cut off of the tree. The Gentiles that believed the gospel by faith were grafted onto the natural olive tree. It does not matter if you are a natural born Israelite or a Gentile. If you have faith, you will remain part of the tree. If you walk in unbelief (a lack of faith), you will be cut off, wither and die.
Hebrews 10:38-39 – Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
We MUST have faith and live by it or our Creator will not be pleased with us and we will not receive salvation.
How do we get faith?
Romans 10:13-14, 17 – For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Master shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of [Elohim].
Once a person hears the good news about Yeshua the Messiah and what he has done for them by dying for their sins and resurrecting from the dead to pave the way for them to follow him in the resurrection unto eternal life, they will hopefully believe by faith and receive him as their Savior.
John 3:14-18 – And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man (Yeshua) be lifted up: That whosoever believes (has faith) in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For [Elohim] so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For [Elohim] sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of [Elohim].
Conclusion
You, dear reader, have heard the good news through this article and other articles on this site if you are a regular reader. You must now make the most important decision of your life. Will you continue to believe by faith the scientists that tell you there is no Creator and that we evolved from monkeys or will you believe by faith that there is a Creator who sent His only begotten Son to die for your sins so that you can be forgiven and live forever with Him in His Kingdom on earth?
To believe the good news by faith is to receive eternal life. To reject the good news through unbelief (no faith) is to receive eternal death. That was an easy choice for me to make 25 years ago. I have not regretted that decision since then. I have faith that all that Yahweh has said in His word, the Bible, will come to pass. Much of it has already come to pass and much is yet to come. I can face my future with a firm assurance that I will be saved by Yahweh’s grace through faith. How about you? Do you know what your future holds? Do you know where you are headed after you die? Have faith in Yahweh and His Son Yeshua and you will live forever.
John 11:25-26 – Yeshua said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?