What Is Faith?

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for , the evidence of things not seen”  (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV)

I have underlined two key words that make up this definition of faith as it is used in the Bible.  A variety of words are used to express the meaning in other translations.  Note the following:

These words are all describing things hoped for and things not seen.  What things does the Bible talk about that are not seen?  God, the power behind this world and universe is not seen.  All things spiritual are not seen:  heaven, angels, Satan, forgiveness of sins, etc.  What things are hoped for?  Believers hope to see God, to be resurrected, to live eternally, to enjoy heaven.

Too often the things we hope for and the things we cannot see do not seem real.  They are as least not as real and the material things we already possess and can see. This scripture explains that faith gives me evidence, assurance, conviction, and proof for the things I hope for, and substance, confidence, assurance and certainty in the things that are presently invisible.  Faith makes the spiritual, invisible and not yet attainable real!  When faith is what God intends for it to be, it is powerful.  Faith makes Heaven just as real to me as Moscow.  I have never seen either one but I know they are there!