Yes, the Bible defines faith as taking God at His Word, the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.
In Hebrews 11:1, faith is described as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Les Feldick emphasizes that this means accepting God's Word as true, even when it involves the invisible realm, and that true faith is specifically taking God at His Word.
Hebrews 11:1 — This verse directly defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, providing the foundational definition.
The Bible, in Hebrews 11:1, states that "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." This verse indicates that faith deals with the unseen realm, things that cannot be physically touched or observed. The following verses explain that through faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (Hebrews 11:3). Furthermore, verse 6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. The Bible also connects faith with hearing: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).
Les Feldick teaches that faith is simply taking God at His Word. He repeatedly defines faith this way, stating, "Faith means taking God at His word" (Clip 5). He emphasizes that faith is not based on human effort, religious denomination, or visible proof, but on believing what God has said, even when it cannot be fully understood. He uses Hebrews 11:1 to show that faith concerns invisible things, not things that can be tested in a laboratory (Clip 1). He also highlights that true faith is not 'blind' but documented and based on the Word of God, which proves its validity (Clip 2). Les contrasts believing in God (intellectual assent) with believing God (trusting His specific promises), which is the essence of saving faith (Clip 7).
Les Feldick explains that faith operates in the realm of the invisible and the spiritual. In Hebrews 11:1, faith is described as the evidence of things not seen. Les emphasizes that these are things you cannot put your hands on or take into a laboratory. Faith is required because the object of faith is beyond physical sight and tangible proof.
Les Feldick addresses the objection that faith is blind. He says, "My faith isn't blind, my faith is documented, and that's what the Word is all about." Faith is based on the Word of God, which provides ample evidence of its validity. Therefore, when a person takes God at His Word, they are not acting blindly but on the documented truth of Scripture.
Les Feldick points out that many people believe in the existence of God, but true faith is believing what God says and acting on it. He states, "When we believe God, we take what He says and we believe it, and that's what faith." This distinction is crucial because merely acknowledging God's existence is not the same as trusting His promises.
Les Feldick teaches that by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God. This is an invisible process that cannot be proven scientifically. God said it, and we believe it. Hebrews 11:3 says, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
Hebrews 11:6 states, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Les Feldick highlights this verse, noting that without believing what God has said, it is impossible to please Him. Coming to God requires a belief in His existence and His nature as a rewarder.
What Does "Salvation" Really Mean? Romans 1:16 Explained
in Goshen where Israel dwelt. And that was the beginning then of this great separation that God put between the Jew and the Gentile, all the way up through the Old Testament, dealt primarily, not exclusively, but primarily with those covenant people, the nation of Israel.
Hebrews 11:1 Definition
Les explains that the biblical definition of faith is 'the substance of things hoped for' and 'the evidence of things not seen,' dealing with the invisible spiritual realm.
Faith is Documented
Les clarifies that faith is not blind but documented, based on the Word of God, and that by faith the elders obtained a good report.
Faith is Taking God at His Word
Les defines faith as 'taking God at His Word,' even when we cannot understand it, because God has said it.
Faith and the Unseen
Les reiterates that faith is the substance of things hoped for and evidence of the unseen, and it is how we enter the realm of the spiritual.
Faith vs. Denominational Labels
Les distinguishes true faith from mere religious affiliation, emphasizing that faith means taking God at His word and that faith comes by hearing God's Word.
Faith and Creation
Les explains that through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by God's Word, and without faith it is impossible to please God.
Believing God
Les contrasts believing in God with believing God, stating that true faith is taking God at His Word.
Hebrews 11:1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
This verse provides the foundational definition of faith, which is central to the question.
Hebrews 11:3: Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
This verse illustrates that faith is necessary to understand creation, which is an unseen act of God.
Hebrews 11:6: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
This verse emphasizes the necessity of faith to please God, a key aspect of the definition.
Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
This verse describes how faith originates, which is by hearing God's Word.
Les Feldick defines faith as 'taking God at His Word.' He emphasizes that this means believing what God has said, even if we cannot fully understand it, because God is the one who said it.
No. Les Feldick distinguishes between believing in God (intellectual assent) and believing God (trusting His specific promises). True faith is believing God and taking Him at His Word.
No, Les Feldick says his faith is not blind but documented. Faith is based on the Word of God, which provides evidence of its validity.
Watch the Teaching: What Does "Salvation" Really Mean? Romans 1:16 Explained