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It is but the belief, a strong confidence in what one hopes and not doubting in what one cannot see. This is the explanation which the Bible itself gives, to comprehend the Christian’s belief. A turning and anchor point. Surely, this verse would have been an ofttime reason for a Sermon. In “the hope for all” – the Bible translation of this verse means: FAITH IS THE STRONG ASSURANCE, THAT WHAT GOD HAS PROMISED WILL COME TO PASS. HE IS THE DEEP CONVICTION THAT THE UNSEEN WORLD GOD’S REALITY IS, even if we can’t see it yet.

Through this faith the ancestors received God’s witness! What mystery must be contained in the description of this faith, what treasure, if that is the Way in which God does verify Himself to us! He loves undoubting expectation and unshaken certainty – He searches for this in us – He wants to witness Himself to us as He did to the ancestors of faith. The 11th chapter of Hebrews invites us to consider, as it prescribes faith in pictures which speak for themselves;

· This faith lets us recognise (verse 3)

recognise: recognition, notice, discernment.

· This faith gives the right sacrifice intention (verse 4)

effectiveness: love, thankfulness, faithfulness, obedience

· This faith can preserve from death (verse 5)

in every case from spiritual death.

· This faith expects the fulfilment of the Word of God (verse 7)

against the advice of contemporaries to trust God’s Word.

· This faith inspires obedience (verse 8)

go! – do! – speak! – I do want to be with you! I want to do it! (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

· This faith receives (verse 11a)

our days, our lives cannot stay empty

· This faith judges Him faithful who has promised (verse 11b)

how many things has He promised.

· This faith thinks: God can (verse 19)

renewed thinking can be learned.

· This faith clings to Him who it can’t see, as if it can (verse 27)

living, as if He were here.

· This faith overcomes obstacles (verses 29a & 30)

not: no more obstacles! and: believe instead own strength!

· Which without faith are impossible to master (verse 29b)

not only the Egyptians have tried this.

No wonder: without faith it is impossible to please God: for he that wants to come to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that seek Him.