Hebrews: Faith is Assurance and Conviction
Hebrews 11:1-2 - A beautiful definition of faith begins Hebrews 11.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.”
Hebrews 11:1-2 NASB1995
We’ve arrived at Hebrews 11. This entire chapter is on the triumph of faith. In my last devotional I noted that this devotional would examine Hebrews 11:1, but I decided to add verse 2 because it links together better with the first verse. The author of Hebrews defines faith in verse 1 and three words are worth examining, using the Blue Letter Bible lexicon:
Faith comes from the Greek noun πίστις or pístis (Strong’s G4102), with the following Biblical usages (this word has been explored in past devotionals but it’s always wise to review word origins and review them again):
conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it
relating to God
the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ
relating to Christ
a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God
the religious beliefs of Christians
belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same
fidelity, faithfulness
the character of one who can be relied on
In these usages, faith relates to the conviction or belief in God and Christ and divine things. This faith is brought to life through the Holy Spirit when we repent and accept Jesus as our savior; the Holy Spirit sustains and strengthens our faith throughout our mortal lives as believers.
Assurance comes from the Greek noun ὑπόστασις or hupŏstasis (Strong’s G5287), with the following Biblical usages:
a setting or placing under
thing put under, substructure, foundation
that which has foundation, is firm
that which has actual existence
a substance, real being
the substantial quality, nature, of a person or thing
the steadfastness of mind, firmness, courage, resolution
confidence, firm trust, assurance
Faith is a firm foundation, a substantial quality that represents the steadfastness of our minds. We have confidence and trust in the promises of God.
Conviction comes from the Greek noun ἔλεγχος or élenchos (Strong’s G1650), with the following Biblical usages:
a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested
conviction
Faith proves things that not seen, like our salvation, our eternal life and God Himself. This faith is for all who believe, as illustrated by the picture below with a Bible in Chinese.
Precept Austin has an excerpt from the sermon notebook from Alan Carr on fallacies of faith and what faith is; After looking at the original, I decided to paste in the entire notebook excerpt from the source documentation (Note: being a stubborn perfectionist I made some minor tweaks to this notebook format for grammar and other tiny mistakes):
Intro: Years ago the captain of a large vessel set sail with his family from Liverpool. His destination was New York. One night when everyone was asleep, a sudden squall arose. The wind came sweeping over the water, struck the vessel and almost capsized it. Everything movable was sent tumbling and crashing, and the passengers became aware that they were in imminent peril. Everyone was alarmed, and many sprang from their berths and began to dress. The captain’s little daughter, just 8 years old, was awakened and cried with fright, “What’s the matter?” When they told her about the storm she asked, “Is Father on deck?” Assured that he was, the little one dropped back onto her pillow without a fear. In spite of the howling winds and crashing waves, she was soon fast asleep.
This ought to be the attitude of every Christian as we face the rough seas and stormy days of life. The Bible tells us that we are to “live by faith.” In verses like Mark 11:22 and Hab. 2:4, we are reminded that faith is to be the daily lifestyle of the believer. When we read Rom. 14:23, we learn that anything that isn’t a product of this faith life is a sin. In Heb.. 11:6, we see that without this quality called faith, we will never be able to pleas the Lord. We know that we are saved by faith, Eph. 2:8-9, but just how do we go about living everyday of our lives by faith?
Thankfully, the Bible doesn’t leave us in the dark concerning the walk of faith. It sheds much light on this vastly important topic. Tonight, as the Lord gives liberty, I would like to preach on this topic: An Anatomy Of Faith. I would like to tell you what faith is not as well as what it is, then I want to show you what it does in our lives day by day. Let’s look at these together and consider An Anatomy Of Faith.
I. THE FALLACIES SURROUNDING FAITH
A. Faith Is Not A Blind Leap - There are those who feel that a life lived by faith is the life of a fool. They speculate that faith is nothing more than a leap into the dark. However, faith is much more than just walking around blind waiting for providence to bump into you. Faith is your response to the promises of God for your life. (God says, “I will lead you.” Faith responds, “I will follow.” God says, “I will feed you.” Faith says, “I will eat.” God says, “I will meet your need.” Faith says. “It is done.”) Faith is never a leap into the dark, it is always a based upon the firmest of foundations, The Word Of God. The person who really walks in faith never walks through life blind. He always knows what is ahead
B. Faith Is Not A Blank Check - (Illustration: The “Name it and claim it” philosophy that permeates much of the church in our day. People have been taught that if they want something from God, then they are to pray about it and believe it than look for it to happen.) (Illustration: There are many who have become discouraged in their faith and disappointed with God because He didn’t do it like they were told He would.) Faith is not a blank check! God is not our little cosmic Santa Claus just waiting for us to place our orders and then drive away with anything and everything we desire.
(Illustration: The implications of this way of thinking! If this is true then God is not more than a genie who has no other purpose than to grant our wishes by the thousands. May I remind you that this Charismatic, Name and Claim it crowd have missed the mark! God is about far larger and greater things than just waiting for me to come up with a new want for my wish list).
C. Faith Is Not A Bad Choice - Illustration: There are those who would say that it is foolish to walk in total and utter dependence upon the Lord. These people argue that God is an unknown. That He is an unseen force with which man cannot interact and have fellowship. They call the Christian who lives by faith a fool! However, the Christian who determines to truly live his life by total faith in his Heavenly Father will never be disappointed with God, nor will he struggle through life blindly. There will be a deep settled assurance that God is in absolute control of all situations and the His will shall always be accomplished in the life of the believer.
(Illustration: As believers, we can either choose to please the Lord, or we can choose to please ourselves. If we are determined that we are going to please the Lord, then we are going to have to walk by faith in Him and in His Word and will.)
D. These are a few of the things that faith is not. Allow me to take just a few minutes to look at what faith is. We have seen the Fallacies surrounding faith, now let’s look for a moment at the Facts surrounding faith.
II. THE FACTS SURROUNDING FAITH
If faith is none of these things, then exactly what is it?
A. Faith is defined and described by verse 1. Notice that faith makes “things that are hoped for” as real as the things that are and it provides the unshakable “evidence” of those things that are ours as a result of our relationship to Jesus Christ. In other words, it brings the future within the present and makes the invisible seen.
B. Thankfully, the author of Hebrews did not leave us in the dark concerning what all this “sureness and certainty” were to be based upon. In verse 2, the writer speaks of the elders and says that by their faith, they earned a good report from God. Then, he goes on the speak of their faith and in every instance, either stated, or implied is the promise of God. Notice:
1. V. 3 The Creation account is reliable because it is based upon the Word of God.
2. V. 4 Abel offered a more pleasing sacrifice because of faith in a promise.
3. V. 5-6 Enoch received the first plain air ride because he had faith in the promises of God.
4. V. 7 Noah built the Ark and survived the flood because his faith floated on the promise of the Lord.
5. V. 8-19 Abraham left home and country, sojourned in a foreign land, offered his son as a sacrifice to God and looked or an eternal city. His faith was based on the unshakeable foundation of the Word of God.
6. V. 20-22 Isaac, Jacob and Joseph all died in faith looking to the fulfillment of the promises of the Lord.
7. V. 23-29 Moses forsook Egypt, led Israel, did the will of the Lord, all in response to the promises of God.
8. V. 30 Israel conquered Jericho because of faith in a promise from God.
9. V. 31 Rahab was saved because of her faith in the Lord’s promises.
10. V. 32-40 Thousands down through the ages have responded to God’s promises with faith and they have seen Him do great wonders.
C. With these facts in mind, what is faith? Faith is the assurance that God will do exactly what He has promised to do!
(Illustration: Anything based on guesswork, peace of heart, wishful thinking etc, will end in failure. God is a God who responds to a people’s faith in Himself and His promises.
(Illustration: If you climbed up on top of this building and said, “I am going to jump off of here and not hit the ground. I believe that God is going to make me fly. I have prayed for it and asked Him to hold me up. I have peace in my heart that He will make me fly. I believe that this is His will, so I am going to leap off this building and He will make me fly.” Before you jump, please tell us what to do with the body, because you are probably going to die!)
(Illustration: Many people have become disappointed with God because He didn’t do something they told Him to do. We must remember that faith is not a lasso which we throw around God’s neck to make Him do our will. It is not some button we push to force God into doing what we want. Many have prayed for things they wanted or thought they needed and their requests were denied. Many of these people become bitter against God and cease to follow Him. Sometimes, the things they prayed for were legitimate, like the healing of a relative, a new job, some problem, etc. However, when they forget that they haven’t been given a clear promise from God concerning that situation, they are in for disappointment. We can pray about anything we want to, then we can hope that it will come to pass, but we can only have faith in those things which God has already promised to bring to pass. When I expect God to do as He has promised, that is faith. When I expect Him to do as I wish, then that is presumption! God will honor the first and ignore the second!)
(Illustration: Our prayers of hope versus the prayer of faith! When I pray that my neighbor will be saved, I can have faith that God will save him, if he will turn to Jesus. However, I can only hope that he will be saved, because he may decide not to receive Christ. When I pray that my need might be met, I can believe that it will be met because God has promised to meet it - Phil. 4:19. When I pray that a person will be healed, I can hope that it will happen. I know God has the power to heal, but I do not know that it is His will. I do not have His promise in the matter. When I pray for the safety of my children, I can hope they will be safe, but I cannot have the absolute assurance that they will be safe, because I do not have the Lord’s Word on it! However, when God says it will be a certain way in His Word, then you can count on it being just as He has said. Therefore, anything that is promised in the Book can serve as the basis for genuine faith.)
D. So, what is faith? Faith is simply the deep settled assurance that God will do exactly what He has promised to do.
III. THE FUNCTION OF FAITH
What exactly will faith do for you? After we are saved, there are certain functions which faith performs in our lives. As I look at these things, I cannot help but be encouraged.
A. Faith Calms Our Fears - I am not sheltered from bad things, but in the midst of them I have His promise - Rom. 8:28; 1 Cor. 15:57; 2 Cor. 4:17. (Ill. Phil. 4:6-7)
B. Faith Cushions Our Falls - I am not immune from sin and temptations, but when and if I fall, I have His promise! It is possible for the Child of God to fall down, but we can never fall out - John 10:28. If we do fall, we have His Word that we will be forgiven when we turn to Him in repentance, 1 John 1:9. This is not an excuse to fall, but it is an encouragement to those who have and those who will!
C. Faith Confirms Our Future - I do not know what I will face tomorrow, but I know that when all my tomorrows are finished, I have a future secured in the Lord Jesus Christ, John 14:1-3.
D. Faith Claims God’s Finest - Faith doesn’t gorge itself on the slop of the world. It sets its sights higher. Faith believes that God will be true to His Word and there, faith responds to that Word, acts upon that Word and receives the fulfillment of that Word, Rom. 4:21; Heb. 6:18.
(Illustration: There are many who never learn what God can do because they are never willing to believe that God can do!)
E. Faith Challenges Our Failures - What I mean by that is that faith believes Phil. 4:13. Faith says that we can be all that God wants us to be. Faith accepts the notion that we do not have to settle for second best. Faith says that we can have everything that God has for us and that we can have it right now. Faith says that we do not have to live to the lower standard of the world. Faith just takes God at His Word and serves Him.
F. Faith Calls Our Friends - Faith says to those around us that what god has done here, He can do in your life too. Faith reaches out to those in sin because it knows that everyone who turns to Jesus for salvation will be saved. Faith believes God’s promises concerning salvation by faith.
Conclusion: God’s will is that we live by faith! Not the blind leap of the foolish, not the blank check of misinformed, but the deep settled assurance that what God has said He would do, He is more than able and willing to do. Does that describe your life?
I thought this was really good! Of course, I will explore verses 3 and above in Hebrews 11 in more detail, but the author provides many good examples of faith to the wobbly believers from the Old Testament. Here are some takeaways from this sermon notebook:
Faith is not a blind leap or a blank check or a “name it and claim it” game show.
God is not Santa Claus or a magic genie. We can pray for healing, for delivery from our troubles, and for other concerns in this life but our faith can only lead us to hope for an answer. I have prayed many times for improvement in my vision (the surgery didn’t help that much) but I have confidence that my sight will be perfect when I open my eyes after I pass into glory. If He chooses to heal it now, that would be further evidence of His grace and mercy. But I will still have faith in His promises.
We can choose to believe God or choose to believe ourselves.
Faith is the confidence in the things that God has already promised. He has promised forgiveness and eternal life through His Son to those who believe and are obedient.
As Charles Spurgeon would say (from Precept Austin):
Faith and obedience are bound up in the same bundle; he that obeys God trusts God; and he that trusts God obeys God.
Verse 2 tells us that the believers of old gained approval from God because of their faith. I use the term believers instead of men, because the following verses in Hebrews 11 talk about some women of faith. My next devotional examines Hebrews 11:3-5, Faith from Creation, Abel and Enoch.
Heaven on Wheels Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord - I thank You for the Holy Spirit, who works to strengthen my faith in You, my confidence in Your promises and my assurance of things that are not seen. Amen.
Credits and Citations:
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org.
“G4102 - pistis - Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB95).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 22 Jan, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4102/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/>.
“G5287 - hypostasis - Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB95).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 22 Jan, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5287/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/>.
“G1650 - elegchos - Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB95).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 22 Jan, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1650/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/>.
Precept Austin was accessed on 01/22/2026 to review commentary for Hebrews 11:1-2. Within the Precept Austin commentary: Sermon notebook from Alan Carr at this link: https://www.sermonnotebook.org/new%20testament/heb11_1-2.htm Copyright © 2003 Alan Carr - No claims of absolute originality are made for this material. As one man said, “I milk a lot of cows, but I churn my own butter.” Please use these sermons as the Lord leads, but nothing on this site may be used for profit without my expressed, written permission [our devotionals are free to any reader].
Commentary from Enduring Word is used with written permission and without any alteration. ©1996-present The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – enduringword.com. Enduring Word commentary was accessed but not used in this devotional.
“G4102 - pistis - Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB95).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 22 Jan, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4102/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/>.
“G5287 - hypostasis - Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB95).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 22 Jan, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5287/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/>.
“G1650 - elegchos - Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB95).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 22 Jan, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1650/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/>.