“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith, we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
Heb 11:1-3
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is often regarded as the Bible’s Hall of Faith, reminding us of the remarkable victories achieved through faith. The first three verses contain crucial insights into faith.
Our text tells us that faith is the foundation of our hopes and the proof of the unseen. It underscores the importance of knowing what we hope for. In 2 Peter 1, Peter provides extensive information about what God has given us and how it was bestowed upon us. He emphasises that knowledge of God’s actions is vital for our faith. Without knowledge of God’s promises, faith cannot manifest in our lives.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these, He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4
While faith is indeed crucial, Peter encourages us to complement it with virtue and knowledge (2 Peter 1:5). This blend of faith and knowledge enables us to be fully convinced. In John 8:31-32, Jesus emphasises that continuing in His word leads to knowing the truth, which sets us free. In fact, faith often falters due to a lack of understanding and clarity.
God’s Word is a source of illumination and faith is our “title-deed,” representing our confidence in God’s promises.
We must acknowledge the relationship between faith and knowledge, with faith serving as a catalyst for the manifestation of God’s promises. As knowledge and faith align, doubts diminish, and we become fully persuaded, moving from mere belief to confident assurance. Faith is not blind but rooted in understanding and knowledge of God’s Word and promises.
Today, nurture your faith through the light of knowledge of Christ and let it shine brightly in your life.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk