This is where modern science misses it. During the "Age of Enlightenment" all efforts of science were put forth to disprove the Biblical account of Creation. Scientists put their questions to the Creation account, finally "discrediting" it by disqualifying anything that could not be perceived through the natural senses. Prior to this science cooperated with Christianity, however, after the Age of Modernism began it became diametrically opposed to the revelation found in GOD'S Holy Word. This is where we, as Christians find ourselves today. We are in a world which only grants credit and clout to the intellectualism of man.
As we have seen already, faith produced by an inward revelation of GOD'S Word is the ONLY evidence that we as believers need! It was by such faith that the elders obtained a good report, giving witness and becoming a testimony to the miracle working GOD that they served. They overcame staggering odds that were considered impossible with man because they believed the Word of GOD over what their senses dictated to them. "Through faith Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age BECAUSE she judged HIM faithful Who had promised." Man would have told her it was not possible. Modern science would have said it could never happen. Sarah had a Word from GOD. She judged GOD to be faithful to HIS Word to bring it to pass, and because of it she received a miracle! To receive from GOD you and I MUST do the same. We must judge GOD to be faithful to HIS Word and take that Word to be the only evidence that we need.
Our text today is the foundation for the nature of faith. To begin with, read the first part of the verse, "Through faith we understand." Have you ever heard anyone say, "I can't understand the Bible!"? By faith we understand. If a person is determined to "see it to believe it" he may never understand anything. However, once that same man determines to walk by faith the Bible becomes a living revelation to him! This applies to any Biblical truth. In order to understand GOD'S love plan of Redemption, salvation, healing, etc. one must determine to walk by the revelation he discovers in GOD'S Word whether it makes sense to his natural mind or not! Now take the phrase "we understand that" out and read the verse. "Through faith...the worlds were framed by the Word of GOD." Many Theologians take issue with the notion that GOD is a "faith GOD". GOD is, however, a faith GOD. Faith is HIS M.O. By faith GOD spoke the worlds into being. We may have confidence in GOD'S Word because HE HIMSELF has confidence in it!
The very essence of the "doctrine" of faith is "that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." This means that the things which are seen are subject to the great Unseen that created them! There is a GOD, which our Bible calls "the invisible GOD" Who, by faith, spoke the worlds into being.
All things both seen and unseen, natural and spiritual, the worlds and the heavens, were created by HIM and for HIM. We have a Savior, unseen to the eye of man, seated in heaven Who has righted every wrong which the curse brought into this Earth by HIS Finished work of Redemption. All things which can be seen are under HIS subjection and authority. HIS Kingdom has no end, HIS Priesthood is Eternal and unchanging. HIS Word and HIS will are final. It is GOD'S revelation to all man for all time. So, today, whatever is going on in your life which seems to contradict the goodness of GOD'S nature which HIS Word reveals, just know that it is under HIS authority. Judge HIM faithful to HIS Word above what you may see or feel. This is "NOW" faith which makes a difference in your circumstances. This is faith which takes GOD'S Word as the only evidence that it needs. This is faith which gives proper substance to your hopes. Finally, it is by this faith that the elders obtained a good report, and it will be how you too will obtain a good report with your heavenly Father.
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