Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, [for he who comes to God must believe that He is}, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Brackets mine)
For years I have read the second part of that verse, and wondered why it would say you must believe he exists? Isn’t that a given? Surely that isn’t all there is to faith.
But one day I heard God say, “What does it say before that”?
“Without faith it is impossible to please Him”
When I saw that, I knew it meant there was more to this statement than just believing He is.
James 2:19 says “You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.”
The essence of true faith isn’t simply believing God is or even that He has the ability to do anything, but it is a conviction and confidence in knowing something specific about Him with certainty.
Faith is much more than knowing that God is powerful and capable of anything. James 2:19 tells us even the devil knows this.
I think so many Christians who believe in the extreme sovereignty doctrine believe God is powerful and has the ability to move on their behalf, but don’t know with absolute conviction that He will. Hebrews 11:6 tells us something very important. Faith knows who God really is.
This is what eternal life is all about. Jesus echoes the same thing, as the source of eternal life. A true knowledge of Who God is experientially.
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. (John 17:3)
Psalm 91:14 ampc says, “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness—trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never].”
Faith in God is: believing in God for who He truly is (his nature) and his character (what he will do without question) and when you believe this about Him, you know with full assurance, that you will receive of that goodness.
So faith believes He is who He says He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him!! Praise God!!
How can you KNOW God like this? By taking Him at His Word.
If you have never done this, start in the Gospels, and ask the Lord to open your eyes to understand who He is demonstrated through Jesus’s ministry. Jesus is the perfect representation of God. He said if you have seen Him (Jesus), you have seen the Father. (John 14:9) Choose to believe. Psalm 91 is a promise to you!
For more on the relationship between grace and faith: