February 4, 2021

The Definition of Faith

Words of Ministry

This is the only verse in the whole Bible that gives the definition of faith... The word "substantiation" means the capacity to make something real. For example, here is a picture in beautiful green, red, and yellow colors, but the beautiful colors can be substantiated only through the eyes. Without the eyes, the colors could not be substantiated no matter how beautiful they are. The sound of the organ is very beautiful, but it can be substantiated only by the ears... Therefore, it is one thing for objects to exist, and it is another thing for the existence of these things to be substantiated. ...The same is true of our faith. All of God's facts are real. However, these facts of God can be substantiated only by faith, because faith is the substantiation of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. A nice painting may have beautiful scenery, but a blind man cannot see it. However, one cannot say that the painting does not exist because he has not seen it. The painting exists as a fact. The question is whether or not you have received the benefit from the painting. Those with sight will find enjoyment from the painting; they will receive the benefit from it. The Lord has died and shed His blood on the cross for all men. This is a fact. But some have the faith to substantiate this fact of the Lord's death, and they receive the benefit from it. Some do not have the faith. The death of the Lord on the cross is still a fact, but they are unable to experience it.