0) A song by Hillsong recently appeared in church. The first part of the chorus declares, "I don't need to see it to believe it / Cause I can't shake this fire burning / deep inside my heart," strongly referencing Hebrews 11:1.
Now, I can't argue with this lyric directly, but I think it represents the lopsided emphasis the currently takes on this issue. It's true that we must have faith without sight and we should 'never lack in zeal', but far too often we misinterpret this verse and even pass over the other three or four parts of this faith. We think we don't have to see the evidence, we don't have to see anything and should just believe outright, slipping into an emotional and escapist sense of belief. This is very bad and may be contributing to the rise of atheism and agnosticism in the world, as well as the degradation of our Christian culture as a whole, as the young people ask tough questions and look for real answers.
Let me show you the 3 parts of these verses and how it demonstrates the stronger side of faith
1) First let's clarify 'what we do not see', because the verse says we don't see, but it requires a little thought to know what it is we don't see. This verse is a simple repetition. I happens many times in the psalms and proverbs, like Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lords', and everything in it / the world, and all who live in it." This one is no different. So what do we not see? The first phrase tells us it's what we hope for.
2) Well, what do we hope for? What do we not have yet (do not see) as humans? Heaven! For the Jews who did not have New Testament information on heaven, heaven was often connected to the concept of inheritance or the new Jerusalem. This term carries over (like everything else) into the New Testament as we have a picture of a heavenly inheritance waiting for us after we die. Ephesians 1:18b "you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,".
This is pie-in-the-sky, but it's also more tangible and measurable. The Jews thought (correctly) that eventually there would be a heavenly kingdom on earth at Jerusalem (read the prophets to see that) and zealots, including Simon the Zealot, on of the twelve apostles (not to be confused with Simon Peter), used to plot revolts against the Roman government in hopes of gaining this kingdom. 'What we do not see' will be quite tangible my friends, we do NOT ignore hard evidence or people who disagree with us. In fact we SHOULD 'see' them, 'be wise in the way you act towards outsiders...know how to answer everyone'. Instead we DON'T see heaven yet, but make doubly certain it's coming.
This is pie-in-the-sky, but it's also more tangible and measurable. The Jews thought (correctly) that eventually there would be a heavenly kingdom on earth at Jerusalem (read the prophets to see that) and zealots, including Simon the Zealot, on of the twelve apostles (not to be confused with Simon Peter), used to plot revolts against the Roman government in hopes of gaining this kingdom. 'What we do not see' will be quite tangible my friends, we do NOT ignore hard evidence or people who disagree with us. In fact we SHOULD 'see' them, 'be wise in the way you act towards outsiders...know how to answer everyone'. Instead we DON'T see heaven yet, but make doubly certain it's coming.
3) Why do people repeat things? Because they're important. Same goes here. Faith is 'being sure' and 'certain'. The first Greek word 'hupostasis' connotates substance and reality, that what you're sure of really does exist and has material weight. It also reminds one of legal contracts, rights of title and possession. The second 'elegchos' has to do with logical proof and a little of inner conviction.
Faith is not an arbitrary belief my friends, it's not primarily a leap, a blind commitment. Jude, like many of Paul's letters, writes to protect the faith of his hearers and them mainly goes on to warn against false prophets and specific falsehoods, not encourage them and urge them on, not give them a pep talk.
This is not to say Christianity is all head knowledge. Belief is heart-based, and as Philippians says "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord". But the longest chapter of the bible is Psalm 119, all about Gods law and word, describing over and over again how the psalmist loves to meditate and study his statues and precepts.
Study the word, build yourself up in your most holy faith and pray in the spirit.
Faith is not an arbitrary belief my friends, it's not primarily a leap, a blind commitment. Jude, like many of Paul's letters, writes to protect the faith of his hearers and them mainly goes on to warn against false prophets and specific falsehoods, not encourage them and urge them on, not give them a pep talk.
This is not to say Christianity is all head knowledge. Belief is heart-based, and as Philippians says "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord". But the longest chapter of the bible is Psalm 119, all about Gods law and word, describing over and over again how the psalmist loves to meditate and study his statues and precepts.
Study the word, build yourself up in your most holy faith and pray in the spirit.
