Heb. xi. 1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
CONSIDERING how much the Scriptures speak of faith, one is surprised that the subject of faith so little occupies the attention of the world at large, or even of the religious world. But the truth is, that the nature of faith is but little known. The world at large consider it as no more than assent upon evi- dence ; whilst the rehgious world confine their views of it almost exclusively to the office of justifying the soul before God. But faith is of a far more compre- hensive nature than even good men generally sup- pose. It extends to every thing that has been revealed ; and is the one principle that actuates the Christian in every part of the divine life. Fromnot
adverting to this, the description given of faith in our text' has been frequently misunderstood. The precise nnport of the passage will best appear by con- sidering the context. The Apostle is encouraging the believing Hebrews to hold fast their profession. He tells them that faith is the only principle that will enable them to do this : he then proceeds to shew them in a great variety of instances, how faith will act, and how certainly, if duly exercised, it will pre- vail for the carrying of them forward even to the end.
It is in this general view, and not in the light of justifying the soul, that the Apostle calls it, '' the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen."
Let us then in this enlarged sense consider, I. The nature of faith —
Within its proper and legitimate scope is all that God has revealed in his blessed word —
[Faith comprehends within its grasp the past, the present, and the future. By it, the Christian knows that the universe, but a few thousand years ago, had no existence, and that it was created out of nothing by the word of God. By it, he sees every thing upheld and ordered by the hand that formed it, and not so much as a hair of our head falling to the ground without his special permission. By it, he foresees that all the human race which have in successive ages passed away shall be recalled into existence at the last day, and be judged according to their works.
But more particularly faith views that great mysterious work, the work of redemption. It beholds the plan formed in the eternal councils of the Father and of the Son ; and in due season with gradually increasing light revealed to man. It sees the incarnation, the death, the resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the sending forth of the Holy Spirit in all his miraculous and new-creating powers, to attest that the work was finished, and to render it effectual for the salvation of a ruined world. This work it still beholds carrying on in heaven by the Lord Jesus as our great High-priest within the vail, and as the living and life-giving Head of his Church and people. And, carrying its eye forward to future ages, it sees the Redeemer's kingdom universally established, and every subject of his empire seated with him upon his throne of glory.