Whenever I read Hebrews 11:6, I find the words, “…anyone who comes to Him (referring to God) must believe that He exists…” very strange and interesting. I mean, why would someone do something that they don’t believe in? Yet, the more I think about this question, the more I realize that we do many things without thinking about it. Some of the things we do without thinking are habits, traditions, and sometimes we do things because we feel like we have no other choice. I think that the Hebrew writer is urging his audience to search their hearts and ask deeper questions like, “Is God real?” and “How real is God in my everyday life?”
I think that most people can say that they believe in God and all Christians can declare that they can trust God for their eternity; however, how many of us can say that we can trust God with our day to day lives?
James says, “You believe that there is one God. Good!” but he doesn’t stop there as he goes on to say, “Even the devils believe that—and shudder.” In the context of what James is saying and what I hear the writer of Hebrews is getting at is that faith or belief produces an action or a response.
The writer of Hebrews says puts it this way, “...without faith it is impossible to please God…” and those who believe, “…earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
My friend John often urges us to “draw near to God.” It’s not comfortable to get close to God or to follow Jesus. In fact, it is down right scary at times because we are not sure if God really has our backs. We cannot see Him. We cannot hear Him. We cannot touch Him. Yet He promises that He is with us—always (Hebrews 13:5); He is preparing a place for us (John 14:2); and He is at work in us and that He will bring us to a good conclusion (Philippians 1:6, Romans 8:28-29).
Faith in the Bible comes down to this question, “Am I going to put my confidence in the tangible reality of this life or in the testimony of, “He rewards those who diligently seek Him?”
