Topical Bible: Faith is the Evidence of Things not Seen

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The phrase "faith is the evidence of things not seen" is derived from Hebrews 11:1, which in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This verse serves as a foundational definition of faith within Christian theology, emphasizing the unseen and hoped-for aspects of belief.

Biblical Context

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the "Faith Chapter" or the "Hall of Faith," as it provides numerous examples of Old Testament figures who exemplified faith. The chapter begins by defining faith and then illustrates it through the lives of individuals such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Each of these figures acted on promises from God that were not immediately visible or tangible, demonstrating trust in God's word and character.

The Nature of Faith

Faith, as described in Hebrews 11:1, involves both assurance and certainty. Assurance refers to a confident expectation or trust in God's promises, while certainty pertains to a conviction about realities that are not visible to the human eye. This dual aspect of faith underscores its role as both a present confidence and a future hope.

Faith and Hope

The relationship between faith and hope is integral to understanding this concept. Faith provides the foundation for hope, as it is through faith that believers hold onto the promises of God. Romans 8:24-25 states, "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently." Here, hope is depicted as an extension of faith, focusing on the fulfillment of God's promises.

Faith in Action

The examples in Hebrews 11 demonstrate that faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves action. By faith, Noah built an ark in obedience to God's warning about things not yet seen (Hebrews 11:7). Abraham obeyed God's call to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). These actions were motivated by a trust in God's promises and a conviction of their eventual fulfillment.

The Unseen Realities

Faith involves a recognition of unseen realities, which are often spiritual in nature. 2 Corinthians 4:18 states, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." This perspective encourages believers to focus on eternal truths and the spiritual realm, which are not visible to the natural eye but are discerned through faith.

Faith and Righteousness

The concept of faith as evidence is also linked to righteousness. Hebrews 11:6 declares, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith is the means by which believers are justified and made righteous before God, as seen in the example of Abraham, whose faith was "credited to him as righteousness" (Romans 4:3).

Conclusion

The phrase "faith is the evidence of things not seen" encapsulates the essence of Christian belief, where trust in God's promises and the conviction of unseen realities guide the life of the believer. Through faith, Christians are called to live in anticipation of God's future fulfillment, acting in obedience and hope.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

October 15. "Faith is the Evidence of Things not Seen" (Heb. xi. 1 ...
... OCTOBER 15. "Faith is the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. xi. 1).
"Faith is the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /october 15 faith is the.htm

Whether this is a Satisfactory Definition of Faith: Faith is the ...
... Article One Whether this is a Satisfactory Definition of Faith: Faith is the
Substance of Things Hoped for, the Evidence of Things not Seen. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/nature and grace/article one whether this is.htm

The Distinction Between Faith and Hope, and the Mutual Dependence ...
... faith is defined (and eminent defenders of the catholic faith have used the definition
as a standard) "the evidence of things not seen." [1100] Although ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 8 the distinction between faith.htm

On the Discoveries of Faith
... Third Series Sermon 110 On the Discoveries of Faith. "Now faith is the evidence
of things not seen." Heb.11:1. 1. For many ages it ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 110 on the discoveries.htm

Abaelard had Defined Faith as an Opinion or Estimate: Bernard ...
... Faith, he says, is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
seen (Hebrews 11:1). The substance, he says, of things hoped for, not a ...
/.../chapter iv abaelard had defined.htm

Eighteenth Day. Holiness and Faith.
... Faith is the evidence of things not seen, though now actually existing,
the substance of things hoped for, but not yet present. ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/eighteenth day holiness and faith.htm

On Faith
... Third Series Sermon 122 On Faith. "Now faith is the evidence of things not
seen." Heb.11:1. 1. Many times have I thought, many times ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 122 on faith.htm

The Knowledge of God Can be Attained Only through Faith.
... for, the evidence of things not seen," according to the divine apostle. "For hereby,"
pre-eminently, "the elders obtained a good report. But without faith it ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ii the knowledge of god.htm

On Faith
... 1. But what is Faith? It is a divine "evidence and conviction of things not seen;"
of things which are not seen now, whether they are visible or invisible in ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 106 on faith.htm

The Law Established through Faith
... their creation, beheld the face of their Father that is in heaven, had no occasion
for faith, in its general notion, as it is the evidence of things not seen. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 36 the law established.htm