Now Faith … the Evidence of Things Unseen

The evidence of things unseen.

The hardest part about faith is not seeing. It is a concept that by trusting the words that are spoken by God, who is Elohim (All Mighty), are so sure and true that they take on the same tangible, sensible aspects of hard, physical evidence. To out limited minds and spiritual awareness, anything that is not seen and touchable is difficult to believe. The state of Missouri gained reputation of being the “Show Me” state, because so many of the inhabitants would not believe something unless they saw it. Jesus was quoted in Matthew 12:39 as saying, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, …”

A sign: hard, physical evidence

But, faith is the substance (hard, physical evidence) of thing hoped for. Hoped for and expected, but not seen in the physical sense. A word or promise was given and a mental and/or spiritual picture of what was stated or promised was formed. What gives credence or believability to a word or promise is the one who gives it. The direct relationship of whether or not that word or promise given becomes real or not depends on the trust or faith that the one giving the word or promise can deliver, or follow through: and that trust or faith in the one who promised make the unseen real.

God, Elohim, chose for Himself to prove that His Words and promises were reliable and had the ability to be relied upond just as if they had physical substance. God set out to prove His Words were as real and solid and sure as evidence before a court of law.

“Now the Lord had said to Abram, …” Genesis 12:1 NKJV

God put forth His Word and name to a man in a land full of Godless men. God chose to speak to this man, and this man DECIDED TO BELIEVE GOD! Romans 4:22 quotes Genesis 15:6 saying, “It was accounted to him [Abraham] for righteousness.” This is the first real step God took to begin to reunite Himself and Man. It was by faith that Abram changed his name to Abraham. [Genesis 17:5] By faith in God’s Word, Abraham and Sarah gave forth a son. [Genesis 21:1-2]

God has intentionally proven Himself by giving His Word and fulfilling His Word, from the time of Adam to the present. He has so proven and established His Word historically that when He gives His Word it becomes absolute surety.

Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”

Numbers points out that if God says it He will also do it. God through Balak, the prophet, notes that if God said it He will make it good. God restates this commitment to His given or spoken Word through the prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 55:11 “So is My Word that does our from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

God has so established Himself in His Word that He will not allow His Word to return to Him void.

The evidence in the unseen promises of God is God Himself. If He tells you something He places Himself personally responsible to make it come to pass.

Matthew 5:37 quotes Jesus about the surety of our word. He say, “Simply let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’. Anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

How much more so is God’s yes or God’s no?

Now, faith (trust) is the substance (reality) of things hoped (expected) for, the evidence (the surety of God’s Word throughout history) of things not seen (but promised by God Himself). Hebrews 11:1

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This was from an article written circa 1990 for a church newsletter. While moving things around and rearranging files, I found it and thought I should share it here. I hope it blesses you and helps you come into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

If you do not know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, you can. Simply pray this prayer and mean it from your heart:

Jesus, please save me. Come live in my heart. Forgive me of doing things that separate me from you. Help me walk in a better way with you. Thank you for going to the cross for me and taking my judgment. Give me your Holy Spirit and let me walk with you all the rest of the days of my life. Amen. It is done.

If you prayed that prayer and mean it, you are saved by Jesus and can begin a new walk with the God of the Bible. Get into a Bible believing and Bible teaching church. Get a Bible and begin reading it. Ask God to show you what you need to do. He will.

Enjoy your walk of faith with the God of the Bible and Jesus Christ.