Topical Bible: Faith is the Substance of Things Hoped For

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Definition and Biblical Context:

The phrase "faith is the substance of things hoped for" originates from the New Testament, specifically in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 11:1 in the Berean Standard Bible states, "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 its role as both assurance and certainty.

Theological Significance:

In Christian doctrine, faith is not merely a passive belief but an active trust and confidence in God and His promises. The term "substance" (Greek: "hypostasis") implies a foundational reality or assurance. It suggests that faith provides a tangible reality to the believer's hopes, making the unseen promises of God as real as the visible world. This understanding aligns with the broader biblical narrative that calls believers to live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Faith and Hope:

Faith and hope are closely linked in Scripture. While hope refers to the expectation of future good, faith is the assurance that this hope is grounded in the reality of God's promises. Romans 8:24-25 explains, "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." Faith, therefore, acts as the bridge between the present and the future, providing believers with the confidence to trust in God's faithfulness.

Examples of Faith in Scripture:

Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified faith as the substance of things hoped for. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah are among those commended for their faith. Each of these figures acted on the promises of God, despite not seeing their fulfillment in their lifetime. For instance, Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6), and he is celebrated for believing God's promise of descendants as numerous as the stars, even when he had no child.

Faith in Practice:

For believers, faith is not static but dynamic, influencing every aspect of life. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This underscores the idea that genuine faith manifests in actions that align with God's will. The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 5:6 , emphasizes that "the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Thus, faith is both the assurance of things hoped for and the driving force behind a life lived in obedience to God.

Faith and Salvation:

Faith is central to the Christian understanding of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage highlights that faith is the means by which believers receive God's grace, underscoring its essential role in the believer's relationship with God.

Conclusion:

The concept of faith as the substance of things hoped for is a profound and central tenet of Christian belief. It calls believers to trust in the unseen realities of God's promises, shaping their lives and actions in accordance with His will. Through faith, Christians are assured of their hope in Christ and empowered to live out their calling in the world.

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

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

Whether this is a Fitting Definition of Faith: "Faith is the ...
... EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether this is a fitting definition of faith: "Faith is the substance
of things to be hoped for, the evidence of things that appear not?". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether this is a fitting.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

Whether the Articles of Faith have Increased with the Passing of ...
... The apostle says in Heb.11:1, "faith is the substance of things hoped for."
Now the same things are to be hoped for at all times. ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article seven whether the articles.htm

Whether Hope Precedes Faith
... Now hope is used in the definition of faith which is given in Heb.11:1: "Faith is
the substance of things hoped for." It is therefore prior to faith. ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article seven whether hope precedes.htm

Whether the Articles of Faith have Increased in Course of Time?
... Because, as the Apostle says (Heb.11:1), "faith is the substance of things to be
hoped for." Now the same things are to be hoped for at all times. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the articles of faith.htm

Whether Faith is the First of the virtues
... On the other hand: the apostle says (Heb.11:1): "Faith is the substance
of things hoped for." Now a substance is first by nature. ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article seven whether faith is.htm

Whether those Things that are of Faith Should be Divided into ...
... since the chief object of faith consists in those things which we hope to see,
according to Heb.11:2: "Faith is the substance of things to be hoped for," it ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether those things that are 2.htm

Whether Matters of Faith Ought to be Divided into Certain Articles
... Now faith is primarily concerned with what we hope to see in the hereafter, according
to Heb.11: 1: "faith is the substance of things hoped for." Hence those ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article six whether matters of.htm

Concerning Faith.
... But again, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
seen [2341] , or undoubting and unambiguous hope alike of what God hath ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter x concerning faith.htm