Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Often we think of "faith" in terms of what we believe: the inerrancy of scripture, the 5 Solas, or the Westminster Confession. Or we might be asked, if we believe in creation or the virgin birth -- things that have occurred in the past.
But for his definition the writer of Hebrews points us instead to the future and defines faith about things that have yet to occur.
Christ did the same in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12):
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed" is past tense. "comforted" is future tense.
Faith is the assurance of our current blessed state because of what will happen in the future. We often get that backwards and only point to our past (even to our most recent paycheck) to call ourselves "blessed".
The Beatitudes conclude with:
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
In the midst of even persecution Christ calls us "blessed".
James echoed:
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
And, he went on to explain why we can have that assurance:
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Each of these promises rest in the unchangeable nature of God, himself.
So the next time you hear the dark phrase "shadow of doubt", remember that God is the Father of Lights and does not have a shadow.
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