Faith as the Greatest Pleaser of God Despite Unseen Evidence
Faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1 as "assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen" [4]. This biblical definition highlights that faith involves a conviction about realities that are not immediately perceptible to the senses [4, 5]. The New Testament consistently emphasizes the centrality of faith, particularly in relation to God's pleasure and salvation. Hebrews 11:6 states directly that "without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him" [2]. This passage underscores that belief in God's existence and his benevolent nature as a rewarder is a prerequisite for pleasing Him.
The concept of faith as pleasing to God is deeply intertwined with the idea of trust. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines faith as "the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true," with its primary idea being trust [7]. This trust is not blind but is based on the evidence of God's revelation, admitting various degrees up to "full assurance of faith" [6, 7]. The resurrection of Jesus, for instance, is presented as God's pledge that His revelation is true and worthy of acceptance [6].
The Apostle Paul further articulates the role of faith, particularly in the context of righteousness. Romans 3:22 declares that "even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe" [1]. This indicates that faith in Christ is the means by which individuals receive God's righteousness, making no distinction among believers [1]. Paul also warns against actions not stemming from faith, stating in Romans 14:23 that "whatever is not of faith is sin" [3]. This suggests that actions performed without a foundation of faith are not acceptable to God.
The objects of faith are broad, encompassing God, Christ, the writings of Moses and the prophets, the Gospel, and God's promises [5]. Faith itself is considered a gift of God and a work of God [5]. John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox father, notes that believers who had not seen Christ in the flesh still loved him strongly, demonstrating that faith brings Christ into the heart and reveals an excellence beyond what even his disciples saw during his earthly ministry [9]. This "realizing nature of faith" allows believers to experience Christ's virtues and presence [9]. The "work of faith" is not a passive assent but an active reality, demonstrating itself through its fruits [8].
Sources
- Romans “even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, -- Romans 3:22”
- Hebrews “Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. -- Hebrews 11:6”
- Romans “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn’t of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin. Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen. -- Romans 14:23”
- Hebrews “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. -- Hebrews 11:1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Faith — Is the substance of things hoped for -- Heb 11:1. Is the evidence of things not seen -- Heb 11:1. Commanded -- Mt 11:22; 1Jo 3:23. The objects of, are God. -- Joh 14:1. Christ. -- Joh 6:29; Ac 20:21. Writings of Moses. -- Joh 5:46; Ac 24:14. Writings of the prophets. -- 2Ch 20:20; Ac 26:27. The gospel. -- Mr 1:15. Promises of God. -- Ro 4:21; Heb 11:13. In Christ is The gift of God. -- Ro 12:3; Eph 2:8; 6:23; Php 1:29. The work of God. -- Ac 11:21; 1Co 2:5. Precious. -- 2Pe 1:1. Most holy. -- Jude 1:20. Fruitful. -- 1Th 1:3. Accompanied by repentance. -- Mr 1”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Assurance — The resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:31) is the "assurance" (Gr. pistis, generally rendered "faith") or pledge God has given that his revelation is true and worthy of acceptance. The "full assurance [Gr. plerophoria, full bearing'] of faith" (Heb. 10:22) is a fulness of faith in God which leaves no room for doubt. The "full assurance of understanding" (Col. 2:2) is an entire unwavering conviction of the truth of the declarations of Scripture, a joyful steadfastness on the part of any one of conviction that he has grasped the very truth. The "full assurance ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Faith — Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true (Phil. 1:27; 2 Thess. 2:13). Its primary idea is trust. A thing is true, and therefore worthy of trust. It admits of many degrees up to full assurance of faith, in accordance with the evidence on which it rests. Faith is the result of teaching (Rom. 10:14-17). Knowledge is an essential element in all faith, and is sometimes spoken of as an equivalent to faith (John 10:38; 1 John 2:3). Yet the two are distinguished in this respect, that faith includes in it assent, which is an act ”
- 1 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Thessalonians 1:3: work of faith--the working reality of your faith; its alacrity in receiving the truth, and in evincing itself by its fruits. Not an otiose assent; but a realizing, working faith; not "in word only," but in one continuous chain of "work" (singular, not plural, works), Th1 1:5-10; Jam 2:22. So "the work of faith" in Th2 1:11 implies its perfect development (compare Jam 1:4). The other governing substantives similarly mark respectively the characteristic manifestation of the grace which follows each in the genitive. Faith, love, and hope, are the ”
- 1 Peter (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Peter 1:8: Whom having not seen, ye love - Those to whom the apostle wrote had never seen Christ in the flesh; and yet, such is the realizing nature of faith, they loved him as strongly as any of his disciples could, to whom he was personally known. For faith in the Lord Jesus brings him into the heart; and by his indwelling all his virtues are proved, and an excellence discovered beyond even that which his disciples beheld, when conversant with him upon earth. In short, there is an equality between believers in the present time, and those who lived in the time of the incarnat”