City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. 6 And 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 seek Him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Hebrews 11:4–7 (NASB)

Reflection

There are a number of verses in the Bible whose importance is demonstrated by their clarity. Romans 10:9-10 and Hebrews 11:1 are examples, and Hebrews 11:6 is another; there is no parable or metaphor, and we can say like Jesus’ disciples, “Lo, now you are speaking plainly and not using a figure of speech” (John 16:29).  I think it not presumptuous to assume certain verses are presented in clear and simple language so they can be understood by even the most casual observer because they are key to entering the kingdom of God.

Hebrews 11:6 is a description of faith, and it starts with a declaration of the importance of faith i.e. without it “it is impossible to please God.” It is not just that faith pleases God but that without it one cannot please Him. To say God loves us is not the same as saying He is pleased with us, which is conflation all too common in modern American Christianity. A father can love his son and not be pleased with him. God’s love extends salvation to us; it is our faith in response that pleases Him.

The definition of faith follows in three parts. The first is denoted by the word “for.” “For those who come to Him . . .”,  indicates that “com[ing] to Him” is an act of faith. Faith incites action. Those who do not come to Him do not have faith because faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Faith without action is just a good idea, and good ideas are good for thinking but not good for saving. The gospel is wonderful to think about, but without the act of repentance and trust in Jesus, it is just a thought.

Secondly, those who come to Him “must believe that He is.” In other words, we must believe God exists. This is no great feat, as even the demons believe as much, see James 2:19, and all creation speaks of God’s existence. Romans 1:20.  Still, belief in God’s existence is essential because it is thought that is transformed into faith.

Lastly, one must believe “He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” This is what transforms mere belief into faith. It is where we surpass the demons; they believe and “shudder”; we believe and seek.  Those of faith understand God is a “rewarder of those who seek Him,” which is not to say God is transactional but that He is good. A good father doesn’t always give a child what he wants but a good father is good.

Application

In short, whether by petition or praise or seeking God for salvation, it pleases God when our belief in His goodness brings us to Him. For that is faith. 

Prayer

Lord help me always to come to You believing first in Your goodness. Amen.