THE EVIDENCE

"Now faith is . . . the evidence of things not see." (Heb 11:1, NKJV)

THE NASB AND RSV TRANSLATE the word "evidence," "conviction of things not seen." The NIV reads, "certain of what we do not see." I do not believe these do much to clarify the statement. The word from which "evidence" is translated means "proof – that by which a thing is proved or tested" (STRONG'S/THAYER). In the world, the proof that something exists is the presentation of the object itself, or the realization of something it accomplishes. The proof of the statement, "I have a hundred-dollar bill," would be the presentation of the bill. The proof of the reality and validity of that money would be the successful procurement of something costing $100.00.

OUR TEXT SAYS THAT "faith" is the "evidence," or "proof," of things we do not see. That is, faith dissolves all doubts concerning those things, bringing the reality of them to our hearts. These are not "things" we imagine, or "things" we have decided we would like to have. These are "the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him" (1 Cor 2:10). They are "things" that are too great for men to conceive or perceive – an abiding peace, a sustaining hope, an eternal inheritance, and much more. Faith – real faith – is the proof these things exist, just as surely as natural appetites are themselves proof there is something to satisfy them."

EVIDENCE" SPEAKS OF an inner conviction and confident assurance. It includes the ideas of verification and certainty. It is what Abraham possessed when it was said of him, "being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform" (Rom 4:21). In all of the studies of EVIDENCES to which I have been subjected, I have never heard an emphasis placed upon faith, or believing God. Almost every presentation of evidences has to do with physical or logical validation. But here, in the Spirit, we have evidence that transcends both of those realms. Faith brings evidence to the soul so powerful that everything is seen in a different light.

NORMALLY, EVIDENCE IS ADDRESSED to our senses. In the case of faith, however, the Spirit shows us things hidden to our senses – the knowledge of things beyond the perimeter of sensory faculties. Thus it is written, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God" (1 Cor 2:9-10, NKJV). And how does the Spirit reveal them to us? It is through our faith! Whether we are speaking of the initial revelation of these things (as seen in the Apostles and Prophets), or of the opening of them to our understanding, faith is the appointed means of making them known. OUR

FAITH IS OUR EVIDENCEOur faith is our evidence! Our senses contradict what our faith has enabled us to grasp. We have become "partakers of Christ" (Heb 3:14), and yet often appear to be dominated by Adam. We have "eternal life" (John 3:36; 6:47), and yet dwell in a corruptible body, daily experiencing deterioration and failing. We possess an inheritance that is "incorruptible, and undefiled, and fades not away" (1 Pet 1:4), yet are learning how to suffer need and be abased. We have been made "kings and priests to God" (Rev 1:5-6), yet often appear to be the tail rather than the head. Everything belongs to us (1 Cor 3:21-23), yet we often experience spiritual hunger and thirst as in a dry and thirsty land where no water is. We know that "God is a very present help in the time of trouble" (Psa 46:1), and "is not far from every one of us" (Acts 17:27), yet our prayers must often extend over long periods of time, as though we were not being heard. What soul has not felt the conflict of life in the body with the life of the soul – what is seen and felt with fleshly senses with what is known by faith?

WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT the "evidence of things not seen," the peculiar property of faith? Faith makes us equal to these challenges, convincing us within our hearts of the reality of the things God has promised us.

OUR FAITH IS ITSELF THE EVIDENCE of their existence. We need no other argument, no high-sounding presentation that exalts the wisdom of men. Give us food for our faith! Tell us what the Lord has said! Declare to us the promises, and proclaim to us the Gospel! It is faith, and faith alone, that is our "substance" and "evidence." It is our "assurance" and "conviction," our "surety" and "certainty." Feed our faith, and we will soar with the wings of an eagle, mounting higher and higher. We will survive the flood and the furnace, the blast of the storm and the plague of the locust! Faith is more than equal to all of these things.

IT IS FAITH THAT IS "the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen." Thanks be unto God that His grace was "exceeding abundant" with faith (1 Tim 1:14). Glory to God in the highest that He has "given us" to "believe" (Phil 1:29). All praise to Him Who has "given to every man in Christ the measure of faith," duly suited for their role in the body of Christ (Rom 12:3-6). It is both indispensable and satisfying! It is our evidence!

– Given O. Blakely