September 10, 2006
SUBSTANCE AND EVIDENCE
Hebrews 11:1

   "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report" (Hebrews 11:1-2). We somehow seem to get the hang of this verse without really seeing what it says. It should be clear that if "we are not of them who draw back to perdition (loss of reward)," but..."just ones (living by faith) unto the obtaining of their life," would it not be timely to see examples of faithful believers who did just that? And this is exactly what we find in chapter 11.
   The word "substance" reads much better as "conviction," the solid unwavering trust that such things as God has given us as our hope are "rock solid." Whatever one hopes for is future, not present. Therefore the believer must walk by faith and not by sight. Things not seen are very real to faith! Our walk will be much more honoring to God if we are convinced beyond all shadow of doubt that our hope is absolutely true, just as Abraham "staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Rom. 4:20).
   The word "evidence" also needs help. This Greek word appears in only one other place in the NT where it reads "reproof" (2 Tim. 3:16). In that context it is clear that there is a measure of correction akin to conviction. The verb form of this word appears many times where the KJV variously translates it, convict, convince, rebuke, reprove, tell one's fault. In no place is it ever translated "proof" or "demonstrate" as "evidence might suggest. In Hebrews 12:5 it is translated "to be rebuked." This word in Ephesians 5:11 exhorts believers  "reprove...unfruitful works of darkness."
   Of all places this very same word appears in the LXX of Habakkuk 2:1 where he complained to God and then said, "I will stand by my watch, and set me upon the tower and will watch to see what He (God) will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved of Him"! This is the immediate context of Habakkuk 2:3-4 just quoted in Hebrews 10:38, "the just shall live by faith." Thus we have the "rebuke of things not seen."
   Faith sees conviction as the positive on one side, while the rebuke is negative on the other. In contrast to the joy set before Christ, He endured crucifixion despising the shame. The Israelite might rejoice in Enoch's translation, not so readily rejoice in Abel's death. Were they ready to follow Moses enduring present suffering for future reward? How about us?

Ivan L. Burgener