FAITH AND HOPE (Heb. 11.1-3)



Faith is a conviction of things we do not see, but become reality through our faith. So faith is the human equivalent to the creative power of God; for God calls into existence things that are not and makes them real through His call. (Rom. 4.17) The more we get insight into the nature of faith, the more we realise that we often mistake hope for faith. Hope is an expectation of things not seen; but it waits for them in patience, while faith is the power of victory, that takes, and by which the unseen things become a reality.

What God promises in His Word does already exist, even if in the beginning we cannot perceive it. When our faith has something seen in the Word of God, it proves, that it already existed in the invisible world of God and will now soon become apparent and revealed for us; therefore the testing of our faith is precious to God.

Through the sword of the Spirit, the power of the blood of Jesus and His name we become overcomers, not only over sickness and sin, but above all, over Satan. (Rev.12.11) We live by the bread of the Word and by faith.

We prove to God by faith that we rest in actual possession of blessings and believing, enjoy them, although we can not see or feel them, for we are convinced of their existence in the invisible world. This alone can be called faith, in which the heroes of faith walked. (Heb.11) God became to Enoch such a reality that the invisible was more real and important to Him than the whole world. He walked with God and was transformed, without tasting death. God's promises were for Abraham such reality that he did not hesitate to sacrifice his son. There are numerous examples.

What do you need, precious child of God? Do you want to be free from sin that has conquered you? Believe that you are a dead person; who is dead is free form sinning. Your old self has been crucified with Christ. Do you long for Christ to be your life and your righteousness, sanctification and health and all you need? Believe the Word of God that He is already your life. He says:" I am the resurrection and the life". Do you desire the baptism of the Spirit? "Then purify your heart through faith". "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." We have often observed that a soul received the Holy Spirit the moment it submitted to the Lord in faith.

The death of Christ was our death, and His life is now ours; He has conquered the enemy and thereby purchased for us health and sanctification; for we are members of His healthy body. These are eternal and unshakable facts and laws of the world of the Spirit, which God recognises and bears witness to in His Word.

Let us stand on it faithfully and "set our mind on things above, not on things on earth". The enemy wants to dispute every inch of what we have in Christ; but thanks to God who gives us victory.

We have no right to talk about faith until we completely recognise that we in truth possess everything, God in Christ has prepared for us. Hope waits for blessings, faith takes possession, no matter what is felt or seen. This is the great secret of divine sanctification: God sees us as one with Christ, as our high priest and intercessor at His right hand. From there - through the medium of the Holy Spirit - streams a continuous river of life down on us, and the Holy Spirit reveals to us how precious and effective the blood of Jesus is and the glory of the atonement and salvation of Christ.

Only unbelief could ever disturb the glorious rest and freedom we have in Jesus. May the Holy Spirit show us our unbelief, so that we can come in humble awareness of our unworthiness and yet in full boldness to the throne of grace and receive help for our time of need. (by M. von Brasch)