By Faith
We Understand
Now faith is the assurance of things
hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors
received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the
word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
By faith Abel offered to God a more
acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as
righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his
faith he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience
death; and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested
before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.” And without faith it is
impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he
exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, warned by God
about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his
household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness
that is in accordance with faith.
Noah was straight as an arrow. All we
have to do to know that is to understand that he did
indeed build an ark, as prescribed by God. If God came to us in the same way,
would we do the same thing? Would we build an ark on blind trust? Noah has been
likened to a preacher of righteousness, but there are no sermons of his to look
at. His life and obedience did more than any words could have done. His actions
spoke louder than any words he might have had to say.
It is easy to be critical of the sins
of others. But how much more powerful it is to demonstrate the grace and
righteousness of our God by living for Him.
The
Christian’s life is the world’s Bible.
Our Daily
Bread –