Faith is knowing. You are sure. You have a conviction.

The first “by faith” is about how the universe was created. Atheists say that the world was created from nothing. The Bible says that it wasn’t made out of “things that are visible.” There was something in the beginning. God has always existed. He has no beginning. And His word is powerful enough to create a universe.

By faith Abel still speaks. Your faith will outlive you. The great men and women of faith still inspire us. I don’t read a lot of Christian books, just some classics, but I do read biographies. I do find the faith of saints who lived a victorious life inspiring.

In the beginning of the chapter, we’re told they got their commendation, their praise, for their faith. But then we’re given a couple specifics. It says that Enoch was praised for being pleasing to God. Faith pleases God. If you want to please God, ask for faith.

We’re told it’s impossible to please God without faith. We need some faith to draw near to God. We need to believe He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. We need to trust He is there and hears and answers our hearts.

Noah’s faith looked like reverent fear, which displayed in his quiet obedience. He was rewarded with his household being saved. Because he acted in faith, he was counted as righteous. Righteousness has always come by faith.

We hold up people of faith, but we also recognize they were just people. Sarah makes the “hall of faith,” but we know that when she heard she was going to have a baby, her first reaction was to laugh incredulously.

We need to remember that Abraham “died in faith, not having received the things promised.” Abraham didn’t die with innumerable descendants. Those would come later, but He still held faith in God. He never turned from Him, declaring Him false or no good.

They had an eternal view. They knew they were just passing through, strangers on this earth. They looked for a heavenly home to come.

And what a line, “God is not ashamed to be called their God.” Make God proud to call you His child. Stand in faith.