by Rscott Stewart

Created on: January 24, 2009

There are few questions of greater importance to the lives of Christians than the simple query, "what is faith?" There may be many answers, all rooted in logic or evidence, but what does the Bible have to offer in way of an explanation?

The Book of Hebrews in the King James Version has this to offer for a definition: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb. 11:1)

This Bible says faith is evidence.

So often we as Christians are told to take things on faith, and as Christians there are indeed many things we are to take "on faith."

But here we are not told faith is blind, we are told that it is evidence.

Evidence is something that can be discerned by the senses.

Does that describe our faith?

Paul recorded in 1 Corinthians chapter twelve, "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

"To another faith by the same Spirit" (1 Co. 12:11-13a)

In 1 Corinthians twelve, faith is referred to as a way the spirit manifests itself.

A manifestation is, again, something that is made evident. While the spirit cannot be felt, the way it is manifest in faith has substance, it is something that indeed can be discerned by the senses.

What is it?

Where does it come from?

How do we do with it what we are supposed to do with it?

We know it provides evidence.

"Substance" is translated from a Greek word meaning we wait for something with confidence, to trust in, but "evidence" is translated for the word "pragmanton(e)," which means "that which has been done, a deed, an accomplished fact."

We are to trust in that which we have faith, in that which is an accomplished fact.

It is one thing to say we have faith in the deeds of the crucifixion.

But what in our life gives evidence that these things really took place? What in our life is evidence of the spirit?

Hebrews 11:6 states, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

We see that part of our faith entails believing God exists. God is; even the devils believe this. We must also believe God rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:7-8: "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

"By

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