What is faith?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 KJV
What exactly does that mean? The dictionary definition of the word substance is “reality.” In other words, faith is the reality of things that we hope for, and the proof of things that we don’t see. So basically, if we have hope in the reality of something taking place, despite the fact that we see no evidence that anything is happening, we are exercising faith.
Why is faith so important?
Without faith, we can’t believe in God. Jesus said in Mark 11:22, “…Have faith in God.”
Without faith, we can’t understand how the worlds came into existence. Hebrews 11:3 says, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”
Without faith, we can’t be saved. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
Without faith, God doesn’t answer our prayers. In Mark 11:24, Jesus says, “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
Without faith, we don’t obey the voice of God. Hebrews 5:9 says, “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”
Without faith, we’re at the devil’s mercy. Ephesians 6:16 says, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”
Without faith, we cannot please God. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
As you can see, our faith is incredibly important to God. That’s why He said in Romans 1:17, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
So how do we develop faith?
Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”