Hebrews 11:3
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”
Context:The Book of Hebrews is a letter written to Jewish Christians to encourage them to remain steadfast in their faith in Jesus Christ. Chapter 11 is often referred to as the “faith chapter” because it highlights the faith of many individuals throughout history.
Faith as the Key:The verse begins with the phrase “Through faith.” Faith is the foundation of the Christian life and an essential aspect of understanding spiritual truths. It is through faith that believers can grasp and comprehend things that may be beyond human understanding.
Understanding Creation:The verse states that “the worlds were framed by the word of God.” This verse emphasizes that God created the universe through His spoken word. It affirms the belief that God is the ultimate Creator and that He brought everything into existence by the power of His word.
Supernatural Creation:The latter part of the verse explains that “things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” This statement underscores the supernatural nature of creation. The visible world was not formed from preexisting visible matter but rather originated from something beyond our physical perception. It affirms the concept of ex nihilo creation, where God brought everything into being out of nothing.
Faith and Understanding:The verse highlights the connection between faith and understanding. It suggests that through faith, believers gain insight and comprehension of God’s creative work. Faith is the lens through which we can interpret and make sense of the world around us, recognizing that there is a greater reality beyond what we can perceive with our physical senses.
Implications:Hebrews 11:3 encourages believers to have faith in God as the Creator and to recognise His power and authority over the universe. It reminds us that our understanding of the world should be grounded in faith rather than limited to what we can observe with our physical senses alone.
