Faith is a major theme in both the Old and New Testaments. Despite the fact that Israel as a nation was called to be God's chosen people, only those who trusted God were covered by that covenant. Outward obedience to the law did not displace devotion, love, and faith in God. Every Old Testament king, prophet, priest, judge and so on, who pleased God did so by faith.

Hebrews 11:1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

This verse gives the most basic definition of Biblical faith, yet it is not a definition at all, but rather a description of how faith works. Faith is not a positive feeling or optomisism. It is confident trust in what God said-no matter what the circumstance.

When looking through the eyes of faith, we see that God sees as already happening or completed. Biblical faith is not wishful thinking, but rather an inner conviction that is based on the Word of God and the Holy Ghost working in us. Can we have faith for something that is against God's will for us? Certainly we can but it won't come to pass. True faith is exercised in harmony with the Spirit to accomplish God's will.

2. For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

The great heroes of faith from the Old Testament talked about in this chapter were not heroes because they lived up to a certain code of ethics, nor because they were members of God's chosen people, nor because they always acted wisely. They were who they were because they chose to live by faith. God considered them righteous because they were perfect in their obedience of the Law. They all held to unwavering confidence in who God is.

6. 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.

If we refuse to act by faith, then we are incapable of seeing beyond the temporal circumstances around us. We are blinded spiritually to what God is doing. Jesus said to the woman at the well,

John 4:24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Spirit cannot be seen, and often cannot be felt either but it is real. There is no possible substitute for faith.

There are two elements that make up faith; first we must belive God is real; second we must believe God responds to those who earnestly seek Him. Even the devils in hell believe in God's existence (James 2:19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.)

John 11:40. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

Jesus had told the disciples upon receiving the message of Lazarus' illness that this entire episode would reveal the glory of God (John 11:4. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.) He meant death was not the final result. Christ's delay was to show that he meets our needs perfectly, but according to His schedule and purpose. His delay builds patience and patience builds trust.

43. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Jesus said (John 5:28. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,). It has been said that if Jesus had made a general command that all the dead would have from the past would have come back to life. That is the power and authority He has at His disposal! However, to the scoffers who were there even a greater demonstration of power would not have changed their hearts. This was demonstrated with the Israelites coming out of Egypt. At Mt. Sinai, God showed Himself mightily to them, but that never turned their hearts toward Him. Miracles of themselves do not produce Godly faith and worship. As Jesus told Thomas later, (John 20:29. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.) Faith is believing without first having to see.

Heavenly Father, we believe your Holy Word and all that you have spoken as being truth. We trust you and worship you in spirit and in truth. We ask Lord that you help our faith to grow and increase. We have been weak and less faithful many, many times Lord. Help us to remain steadfast in our faith in you, in Jesus precious and mighty name, Amen.