One of the most profound basic fundamental truths of the Bible is found in Hebrews 11:1 at the start of “The Roll Call of the Faithful” men and women of the Old Testament, throughout history: before the promise was given to Abraham, before the Law was given to Moses, and after the Law was given. Here we read that faith is the substance of our eternal future. It is the cause of our eternal future.
Now faith is the substance [5287 hypóstasis] of things hoped for, the evidence [1650 élegxos] of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1 KJV)
- 5287 hypóstasis
- 1. a setting or placing under; thing put under, substructure, foundation
2. that which has foundation, is firm; hence,
1. that which has actual existence; a substance, real being
b. the substantial quality, nature, of any person or thing
c. steadiness of mind, firmness, courage resolution –Thayer’s Greek Lexicon
- 1650 élegxos
- 1. a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested
2. conviction –Thayer’s Greek Lexicon
Therefore, it is impossible to please God without faith.
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 NLT)
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1:3 KJV)
I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. (Jude 1:5 KJV)
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 KJV)