31 Faith is the Substance Hoped for

Here hope is described as the confident assurance of what is hoped for is genuinely going to happen. The word hope here describes an expectation or belief and assurance that what we are assured of happening in God’s Word will actually occur. There is no doubt that God will do exactly as He says He will perform. The author is describing faith as a principle that deals with what is yet future and unseen. Future events described in the Bible are made sure to us by faith the same as past historical events must be taken by faith as actually having occurred. Faith looks forward to the future, to things anticipated and hoped for. Since the future with all its hope is not yet realized, patience endurance is required waiting for God to perform the word He of which He has assured us He will perform. Living by faith means that we will patiently endure the trials, naysayers, and other obstacles which try our faith regarding the promises of God. Faith in God brings His acceptance and rewards.