Faith and Reason

Trusting Beyond the Visible

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

The Reasonable Mystery of Faith

Faith that Looks Beyond the Here and Now

Seeing the Unseen and Living for a Better Homeland

 The Substance of Things Hoped For

In Hebrews 11:1, the writer defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith, in its truest form, is not a vague hope; it’s a confident assurance, rooted in God’s promises, that anchors the soul amidst the mysteries of life.

Faith is not a leap into the unknown but a walk into the known promises of God, even if we cannot see how they will unfold. Charles Spurgeon captured this mystery beautifully, stating, “Faith is reason at rest in God.” Faith doesn’t require us to discard reason; rather, it asks us to hold reason alongside trust in God, embracing the parts of His will and wisdom that our minds cannot yet fully comprehend.

Faith Beyond Intellectual Assent

James 2:19 reminds us that even demons believe in God’s existence. This acknowledgment alone doesn’t constitute faith; true faith requires a personal, transformative relationship with God. Eugene Peterson described faith as “long obedience in the same direction.” Faith is not just intellectual consent but a daily, intentional trust that shapes every decision and direction.

N.T. Wright echoes this, urging us to see faith as a “whole-life response to the God who has revealed Himself.” Faith, therefore, is not simply believing in a distant deity but engaging in a relationship that transforms how we live.

Heroes of Faith: Persevering for a Heavenly Homeland

Hebrews 11 recounts the faith of those who trusted in God’s promises even when they seemed far from being fulfilled. “They died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off,” notes the writer in verse 13. This perseverance reveals faith’s true essence—it sustains hope even when reality doesn’t yet reflect God’s promises. As Timothy Keller puts it, “Faith is not primarily a function of how you feel. Faith is living out, trusting, and believing what truth is despite what you feel.”

Faith is “The Telescope of Hope”

Alexander Maclaren writes that faith is “The Telescope of Hope,” bringing future promises into the present reality. Like Abraham, who looked “for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10), we are to live with eternity in view, understanding that this earthly life is only part of a greater story.

Faith and Reason: A Harmonious Tension

Faith doesn’t mean forsaking intellect. Blaise Pascal, a profound thinker, famously said, “The heart has its reasons which reason does not know.” He reminds us that reason alone cannot encompass the fullness of faith. C.S. Lewis, who journeyed from atheism to faith, observed that belief in God was like the sun: “not only because I see it, but because by it, I see everything else.” Faith opens our eyes to God’s truth, allowing us to interpret life, pain, joy, and hope through His lens.

Martin Lloyd-Jones emphasized that faith, though a mystery, is profoundly rational: “Faith is the refusal to panic.” In challenging seasons, it may not make sense to the world to hold on, but faith anchors us in God’s unchanging character and promises.

When Faith Waits

Many in the “Hall of Faith” lived and died without receiving the fullness of what God promised. This waiting period can feel like a wilderness, but it’s a transformative place where we learn patience, resilience, and deeper trust. As Rick Warren explains, “Faith is facing the future without knowing what it holds but knowing the One who holds it.” In seasons of waiting, faith trains us to trust God’s timing and sovereignty.

Matthew Henry encourages us with the reminder that true faith is unshaken by delay: “If we have not what He promised, we shall have something better.” When our prayers seem unanswered, faith allows us to rest, knowing God will fulfill His promises in ways far beyond our understanding.

Prayer

Lord, strengthen my faith to trust in Your promises even when I cannot see the outcome. Help me to live each day with confidence in Your character, knowing that You are faithful. Teach me to hold reason and wonder together, leaning not on my own understanding but on Your wisdom. Give me the patience of those who have gone before me, who trusted even when Your promises felt far off. May my faith be pleasing to You and point others to Your goodness. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria