Question 1

What does “faith is the substance of things hoped for” mean?

Accepted Answer

This line shows that faith is not just a wish or a vague feeling. Faith gives a kind of “solidness” to what God has promised, even before we see it. When God promises forgiveness, a future resurrection, or a heavenly city, we do not see these yet with our eyes. But faith treats them as real and present, because God cannot lie. So faith holds on to God’s word as if the future blessings were already in our hands.

Question 2

Why is it said that without faith it is impossible to please God?

Accepted Answer

The passage says that anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. This means real relationship with God cannot be built on empty habit or outward acts alone. There must be trust in who He is and in what He has promised. Without that inner trust, even religious acts are empty. Faith rests on God’s character, believing He is good and that He will keep His word to those who seek Him.

Question 3

Why did Abraham leave his homeland and live as a stranger?

Accepted Answer

Abraham left his homeland because God called him and promised to give him another land. He obeyed even though he did not know where he was going. In that new land he lived in tents, like a visitor, because he was looking beyond that soil to something greater. The passage says he looked for a city with true foundations, made by God. So his faith showed in both his obedience and his hope in a lasting, heavenly home that God would one day give.

Question 4

What is the meaning of Abraham offering up Isaac by faith?

Accepted Answer

Abraham was tested when God told him to offer his only son Isaac, even though God had said Isaac would be the one through whom the promised family line would come. Abraham went ahead in faith, reasoning that God could even raise Isaac from the dead if needed. God stopped him before Isaac was killed, so Isaac was given back to him like someone received from death. This story shows faith trusting God’s promise even when the command seems to undo it, believing God can still keep His word.

Question 5

Why are these people called strangers and pilgrims on the earth?

Accepted Answer

They are called strangers and pilgrims because they did not see this present world as their final home. Even when they lived in the land God promised, they still lived in tents and spoke of seeking another country. The passage says they desired a better, heavenly country. By their words and way of life they showed that their hearts were set on what God would give in the future, not on comfort and security here. This is held up as the pattern of true faith.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about God’s character?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows God as Creator, the One who made all things by His word out of what cannot be seen. It shows Him as holy, pleased with faith and not with empty acts. He is just, judging the world, yet saving those who trust Him like Noah. He is faithful, keeping His promises across many generations. He is also kind and near, a rewarder of those who seek Him, not ashamed to be called the God of people who trust Him, and preparing a city and better country for them.

Question 7

Why did some believers escape danger while others suffered and died?

Accepted Answer

In this passage some people of faith shut lions’ mouths, won battles, and escaped the sword. Others were mocked, whipped, chained, killed, and forced to hide in deserts and caves. Both groups are praised for their faith. This shows that faith is not a promise of an easy life. Sometimes God rescues in visible ways, sometimes He gives strength to endure pain and loss. In both cases He counts them as His own and holds a better resurrection and a heavenly home in store.

Question 8

How can this passage about faith apply to my life today?

Accepted Answer

This passage invites you to trust God’s word even when you cannot see the outcome. Like the people named here, you may be called to obey when the path is unclear, to let go of comfort, or to endure hardship. Faith means treating God’s promises as more solid than what your eyes see right now. You can ask God to help you seek Him, hold loosely to this world, and look ahead to the heavenly city He has prepared, knowing He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Question 9

Why does it say they did not receive the promise yet were commended?

Accepted Answer

These believers were praised by God for their faith even though they died before seeing the full arrival of what God had promised. They saw the promises “afar off,” were persuaded of them, and embraced them. The passage says God had planned something better so that they and later believers would be completed together. This means their faith looked ahead to what God would fully bring through Christ, and their trust was real and pleasing to God even without seeing the end in their own lifetime.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith and Assurance

The Faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah

The Faith of Abraham and Sarah

The Faith of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph

The Faith of Moses

The Faith of Many

Faith and Assurance

Cross References

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

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Faith and Assurance

The Faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah

The Faith of Abraham and Sarah

The Faith of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph

The Faith of Moses

The Faith of Many

Faith and Assurance

Cross References