229. By Faith We Understand

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of the things that are visible.” Heb. 11:3.

By faith we understand that Noah was able to build an ark for the salvation of his house. By faith we understand that Abraham was able to obey and leave his country and people and go out to the place that he would receive as an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith we understand how he could dwell as a stranger in that place, waiting for the city that has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith we understand that Sarah received strength to become the mother of a new lineage, in spite of her age. By faith we understand that from that one spent body came a multitude as vast as the stars of the sky and as innumerable as the sand of the seashore. By faith we understand that Abraham was able to offer his only son, Isaac. By faith we understand that Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. By faith we understand that God’s people could stop the mouths of lions, subdue kingdoms, enforce righteousness, quench the violence of fire, and be mocked, stoned, and tortured without accepting deliverance. By faith we also understand that without faith it is impossible to please God. By faith we understand that an unbeliever is in darkness and puts himself outside of God’s light, for faith is the full assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

By faith we understand that Christ will subject the world to come under His authority, and that all those who follow in His footsteps will reign with Him. By faith we understand that this present world is reserved for judgment and destruction because, with all its wisdom, it crucified the Lord of glory, its King and Savior.

By faith we understand that the word of the cross must be preached constantly and in its fullness if God’s people are going to be victorious over sin. By faith we understand that if anyone desires to exalt himself, he must instead humble himself deeply. Phil. 2:8-11. By faith we understand that the old man is held firmly on the cross by nails of faith. By faith we understand that the princes of this world and the powers of darkness are powerless and are exposed for each soul that is crucified.

By faith we understand that when we do not, in any way, allow ourselves to be terrified by our adversaries, this is a proof to them of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. Phil. 1:28.

But thanks be to God who always (by faith) causes us to triumph in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master.