I.
We take a look at what the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews has to say about “faith.”

We start with the often repeated, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

But that’s not the only thing the writer has to say about faith. The word “faith” is repeated about 11 times.

Read the passage first to get an overview of the passage; rest there a moment; then read the passage again pausing after each sentence calling attention to faith.

II.
Hebrews 11:1-8

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.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going.

Hebrews 11:13-16

All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

III.
So “faith” is at least about “assurance,” “hope,” “conviction,” and “things not seen.”

It may also be about being “called to set out for a place,” and “seeking a homeland.”

Does this suggest “faith” is not something static but part and parcel of journey?

How would you describe your journey of faith and journeying with faith toward …. a place, a homeland?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}