Three words in Hebrews 11:1-3 summarize what true Bible faith is: substance, evidence, and
witness. The word translated substance means literally “to stand under, to support.” Faith is
to a Christian what a foundation is to a house: it gives confidence that he will stand. When a
believer has faith, it is God’s way of giving him confidence that what is promised will be
experienced.

The word evidence simply means “conviction.” This is the inward conviction from God that
what He has promised, He will perform. The presence of God-given faith in one’s heart is
conviction enough that He will keep His Word.
Witness (“obtained a good report”) is an important word in Hebrews 11. The summary in
Hebrews 12:1 calls this list of men and women “so great a cloud of witnesses.” They are
witnesses to us because God witnessed to them. In each example cited, God gave witness to
that person’s faith.
This witness was His divine approval of their lives and ministries.The writer of Hebrews
makes it clear that faith is a very practical thing, in spite of what unbelievers say. Faith
enables us to understand what God does.
Faith enables us to see what others cannot see and to do what others cannot do! People
laughed at these great men and women when they stepped out by faith, but God was with
them and enabled them to succeed to His glory.
Remember this: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
Also consider: Hebrews 11:2-40.
Action assignment: Review Hebrews 11 to see what faith enabled these great men and
women to accomplish. What would you like God to accomplish in your life before this time
tomorrow? Commit today’s verse to memory.
WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in