NOW this may seem an old subject, and well it is. But I want to consider some of its phases in perhaps new settings, and see if the gem does not shine more brightly than ever before.
The Creator of the heavens and earth, inspired the statement that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Heb. 11:1.
Let us note the first clause, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for." The thing above all others that we hope for is eternal life. In John 3:36 we read, "He that believeth [hath faith] on the Son hath everlasting life;" but "he that believeth not [hath not faith in] the Son shall not see life;" he hath not eternal life. Hence we perceive that in this present world, faith is the substance.
Now taking up the last part of the text, with its subject (faith) and copula (is), we have, "Faith is the evidence of things not seen." So Paul affirms: "I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." 2 Tim. 4:7, 8. Again, in 1 John 3:2 we read, "We know that, when He [Christ] shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." Thus we see that faith is the evidence of things not seen as yet.
Surely faith is a gem of greater brilliancy than the diamond; of deeper hue than the ruby; unaffected by climatic conditions or changes. Therefore the first, most needful thing we need is faith, without which it is impossible to please God; for we must believe that God exists, and will reward those who diligently seek Him. Heb. 11:6.
The merciful God has given to every individual the privilege of believing, and the power to believe.
The way to obtain more or greater faith is: First, by the study and doing of God's Word, as "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17); second, ask for it of its Author (Heb. 12:2), Jesus Christ, who "giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not." James 1:5.
Some may say that they do not understand certain portions of scripture; that they do not understand how this or that statement can be true or is just. If we take such a position we simply try to measure the infinite God by our puny, finite knowledge.
We can not explain, because we do not fully understand, the workings of the X-rays, the telephone, the phonograph, wireless telegraphy, the teleautograph, and many other things; yet we know that these things exist, and we know their use. We have to accept the word of men that such persons as George Washington, Oliver Cromwell, Julius Cæsar, Alexander the Great, and others really existed and performed the acts with which they are accredited.
The centurion, a Roman officer, who came to Christ to have Him heal his servant, in some way understood the power of God's word and said to Jesus, "Speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed." When Jesus heard it He said to them that followed Him, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Matt. 8:8–10.
When but a boy, about thirty years ago, the writer read in a school reader about the opening and shutting of the gates at a street crossing on the railroad. It said the gates closed when the train came in sight, and opened after it passed by. The teacher did not explain how it was done, and I did not understand it; but about twelve years later, for the first time, I beheld in Spokane the operation of the gates. Instantly that which I had read in school years before came to my mind, and was understood. So time and experience will give us understanding, if faithful, of the Word of God which we now accept simply by faith.
How important, then, that we immediately adopt and "earnestly contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints," even the faith of Jesus (Jude 3); knowing that of the remnant church it is said, "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Rev. 14:12.
