Gateways

Equipping for Going

What is Faith?

The best definition for faith is found in Hebrews 11. The NIV states: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” What does that mean? It speaks of our hope and certainty of something we can’t see. But what does that really mean? Verse 2 of Hebrews 11 says: “This is what the ancients were commended for.” The ancients such as Noah, Abel, and Abraham were commended for their faith. They believed in the power of God to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond what we dare think or ask. (Ephesians 3:20)

The ancients believed that God created the universe and the whole world and everything that dwells within it. We are encouraged to believe the same way. Hebrews 11:3 says: “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.” It is so important to understand this if we are to see God move in supernatural ways in our lives. Faith believes that God formed the universe through His spoken word. Everything that surrounds us is formed from the spirit. This tangible realm that we live in is not as substantial as the spirit realm.

Because we live by our senses we think this is more concrete than the spirit. If people believe in the spirit realm, the perception, at least which I had, is the spirit is more like vapour or smoke. The spirit realm is something ephemeral without substance that can be lightly wiped away. This concept is often portrayed in movies where the good guy doesn’t take anything spiritual seriously but can defeat anything with a gun. This is the arena of wisdom called “common sense”. But common sense does not govern the spirit realm, faith does. (To read more click here)