Faith Is A Noun!

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

Hello To All:

In the fullness of the mystery that God is, perhaps the most difficult of realities, for us to fully understand, regards the question: What is faith? Our opening text uses two words to define faith: Substance and Evidence. Now, this elder is not a language expert; and if you want to disagree with what I am about to say - please do so! But, in your disagreement, please give me an opportunity to make the case, that I am being compelled to make?

Substance and Evidence are nouns; and both nouns are references to the person of Jesus of Nazareth! This is the same Jesus who is the Christ, the Son of The Living God! Jesus is the substance of things hoped for! Jesus is the evidence of things not seen! Faith, if it is to be rightly understood, can only be understood in the context of who Jesus is!

In the past, relying on the limitations of my own natural intellect, I spoke of faith in quantitative and qualitative ways (please see series of essays, beginning March 25, 2014, and titled: "This Elder Has Been A Deceiver"). Our Lord Jesus Christ has patiently and dramatically taught me the errors of my natural thinking! In this process of teaching me, He has brought me deeper into an inspired understanding of what faith truly is! Thank you Jesus!

In one place (1 Corinthians 2:4-5), we find written: "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."

The months leading up to the writing of this essay, have been filled with the conflict between the wisdom of men and the power of God.  My natural wisdom and intellect has been an obstacle to this deeper and inspired understanding of what faith truly is! But, the power of God is greater than all things; and He has mercifully and patiently brought me to a place of understanding the revelation of His Word!

If you are a regular visitor to this forum, you may recall that I have often stated that if I am not writing a letter for this forum; then I am, instead of writing, I am being prepared to write the revealed truth of God's Word, to be included in the next letter to be posted on this forum. That next letter is this letter! Thank you Jesus! Amen and Amen and Amen!

In another place (Romans 12:3), we find written: "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Faith is a supernatural gift from our Creator. It is always sufficient and should never be thought of as little or inadequate (please see posting of 9/8/2011, titled: "O ye of little faith").

There is much to consider in this letter beginning our examination of "Faith Is A Noun!" We shall continue in this journey of faith when next we gather. But, there is one more thought that I am compelled to leave with you.  It is written in one place (Acts 3:16), the following: "And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know; yea the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."

Our closing text is part of Peter's testimony regarding the healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple called Beautiful.  (The full account begins at Acts 3:1 and following.) Peter is reminding us that the faith that brought healing to the lame man is the faith that comes from Jesus! Thank you Jesus!

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus