In the tapestry of human existence, faith serves as a thread that weaves together our beliefs, hopes, and convictions.
Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 in the Amplified Bible offers a profound insight into the composition of faith:
“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].”
Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 AMP
This scripture delves into the intricate elements that make up faith, shedding light on its essence and role in our lives.
The Foundation of Faith
Assurance of Hoped-For Things:
Faith is the title deed that guarantees the reality of our hopes. It provides us with unwavering confidence in the promises of God, even when those promises have yet to materialise in our physical reality. This assurance propels us forward, allowing us to walk in anticipation of things guaranteed through the power and promises of God. In other words, it raises a daily expectation that God will show up in our lives.
Evidence of Unseen Realities:
Faith is the evidence that substantiates the existence of realities beyond our sensory perception. It grants us the ability to grasp as fact that which lies beyond the realm of physical senses. This comprehension of the unseen encourages us to trust in the intangible and embrace truths that extend beyond what our eyes can see.
Divine Approval Through Faith:
The scripture continues by highlighting that the men of old gained divine approval through their faith. This underscores the significance of faith in connecting us to God’s favour and blessing. It serves as a channel through which we align ourselves with God’s purposes and intentions, echoing the faith of those who have gone before us.
The Significance of Creation in Undergirding Faith Principles:
The biblical narrative delves into the creation account as a foundational principle that underpins our understanding of faith. Just as the composition of faith involves assurance and evidence, the composition of creation reveals a remarkable order emerging from chaos.
Let’s explore some key elements.
Bringing Order from Chaos:
The creation account demonstrates how God brought order to the chaos, shaping the universe and everything within it. This principle mirrors the transformation that faith can bring to our lives, taking us from confusion to clarity, from uncertainty to conviction, chaos to order.
Speaking Things into Existence:
God’s creative act involved speaking things into existence. This mirrors the power of our words and thoughts, reflecting how faith can shape our reality through our declarations and beliefs.
Harmony with God:
Creation reflects the harmonious design of the universe, highlighting the inherent interconnectedness of all things. Similarly, faith draws us into harmony with God, aligning us with His plans and purposes.
The Composition of Faith:
Hebrews 11:6 reinforces the indispensable role of faith:
“But without faith, it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6 AMP
Let’s break down the components of this verse:
1. Belief in God’s Existence:
The foundation of faith is the belief that God exists. Just as the creation account testifies to the Creator’s existence, our faith is anchored in the reality of God’s being.
2. Belief in God as a Rewarder:
Faith encompasses the conviction that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. This mirrors the principle of cause and effect, illustrating that our pursuit of God yields blessings and rewards in this life and the life to come.
3. Diligent Seeking:
Faith requires active and persistent seeking of God. Just as creation is a result of God’s intentional action, our faith is characterized by our intentional pursuit of a deeper relationship with Him.
The 1st Composition of Faith consists of:
Believe God Is: Faith involves believing in God’s role as the Creator, the One who brings order out of chaos and designs the intricacies of the universe and the design and purpose for mankind.
Believe God Is Faithful and Trustworthy: Our faith rests on the assurance of God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness. Just as creation is a testament to His design, our lives are a testament to His steadfast love and reliability.
Believe in God’s Redemption: Just as the creation story is a precursor to God’s plan of redemption, our faith is rooted in the belief that God provides redemption through Jesus Christ. This belief leads to salvation, relationship, and inheritance.
In the intricate tapestry of faith, we find a composition that mirrors the beauty and order of creation itself. As we explore the depths of faith’s components – its assurance, evidence, and foundational principles – we gain insights into our relationship with God and our purpose in His grand design. Just as creation stands as a testament to God’s existence, faith stands as a testament to our unwavering trust in Him. In embracing the composition of faith, we find ourselves on a journey of discovery, alignment, and divine connection.
Blessings
Shaun Smit
Senior leader (Faith Legacy Believers Church)