When it comes to the meaning of “faith,” let’s start with some questions. What is the biblical meaning of “faith”? Does “faith” imply doubt or uncertainty? Does it mean the acceptance of a position in the absence of evidence? Does it rule out knowing?
Availing faith (the faith that brings God’s favor and blessings upon the individual) simply means taking God at His Word—making a proper response to divine instruction by doing what God said to do. Furthermore, this response comes about just because God said to do it, while refusing to act in the absence of divine instruction. Faith does not imply doubt or uncertainty.It does not mean the acceptance of a position or a view in the absence of evidence. It does not rule out knowing.
In Hebrews 11:1, the writer says, “Now faith is the substance [realization, assurance, being sure] of things hoped for, the evidence [conviction, confidence, certainty] of things not seen” (NKJV). This verse refers to “things hoped for,” which is “within the veil” (Hebrews 6:19)—Heaven itself, all that Heaven is and all that Heaven holds. Our hope that is within the veil ties us securely to the expectation and desire of entering Heaven, which hope is the product of and is undergirded by our faith. Our faith is the product of the Word of God. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). Obviously, therefore, where there is no Word of God, there can be no faith. Our faith that comes by hearing the Word of God rests solidly upon the sufficient, conclusive and compelling evidence that the Bible is exactly what it claims to be—the inspired, the infallible, the inerrant and the all-sufficient Word of the living God (2 Timothy 3:16–17). When this fact is established, then, it becomes our evidence. That means that the Bible becomes our teacher and our shield (Ephesians 6:16). Because we believe, we defend the faith, and the faith defends us. Our faith is not blind. Our faith rests solidly upon conclusive and compelling evidence!
