Faith: God’s Gift of Seeing Christ

Hebrews 11:1–3 | A Gospel Reflection by Jason Boothe

Introduction: The Nature of Saving Faith

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “Hall of Faith,” but let’s be clear—this chapter does not celebrate the greatness of the people mentioned. It magnifies the greatness of the God in whom they trusted. These men and women were not spiritual elites; they were sinners justified by grace through faith. What made them commendable was the object of their faith—Jesus Christ.

In the first three verses of this chapter, the Spirit defines the very nature, commendation, and power of saving faith. This faith is a gift given by God. It is by this faith that we lay hold of Christ and rest entirely in His righteousness.

1. Faith Is the Assurance of Things Hoped For (Hebrews 11:1)

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)

True faith is not wishful thinking or blind optimism. It is not some internal feeling we summon up when things get hard. Scripture defines faith as assurance and conviction. And this assurance is rooted in the Word and promises of God.

As Paul wrote of Abraham:

“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised.” (Romans 4:20–21)

Saving faith takes God at His Word—even when we cannot see. As Paul says elsewhere:

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Believers cling solely by God’s gift of faith to the person and work of Jesus Christ. That is what makes faith firm, even in the storm.

2. Faith Receives Commendation from God (Hebrews 11:2)

“For by it the people of old received their commendation.” (Hebrews 11:2)

The saints of old—Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah—were commended solely by their faith in the coming Messiah. They trusted the promise of God, often from a distance, and that trust, as gifted by God, was counted to them as righteousness.

“And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘In you shall all the nations be blessed.’” (Galatians 3:8)

The commendation rests solely in their faith in the Gospel, Christ’s finished work. Faith unites us to Christ, and Christ is our righteousness. We are justified by grace through faith—not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8–9).

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3. Faith Understands What the Natural Man Denies (Hebrews 11:3)

“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3)

By faith, we believe something the world constantly rejects: that God spoke the universe into being from nothing. This is not the product of divine command.

“By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.” (Psalm 33:6)
“All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3)

The same God who spoke light into existence also speaks light into our dark hearts.

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

Faith believes this. Faith sees what the eye cannot. It hears what the world denies. And it trusts in the power of God to both create and redeem.

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Conclusion: Faith Looks to Christ Alone

Hebrews 11:1–3 sets the tone for the rest of the chapter. It is a blessed tribute to God’s grace in Christ. Faith is not something we muster; it is something God gives. It is the eye that sees Christ, the hand that clings to the cross, and the heart that rests in the finished work of the Savior.

“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2)

Brothers and sisters, may your faith be fixed not on the seen but on the unseen glory of Christ. Let us remember: the same Word that created the world has now recreated our hearts in Christ. And by faith, we walk—not by sight.

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✅ Want to Know More?

Join us each Lord’s Day at Redeemer Church of Piketon as we proclaim God’s free and sovereign grace in Christ. Visit http://www.redeemerpiketon.org or come worship with us at:

Redeemer Church of Piketon
📍 768 State Route 220
📍 Piketon, Ohio 45661
🕙 Sunday Worship: 10:30 AM