Knowledge Must be Accompanied by Faith—part 7

Knowledge Must be Accompanied by Faith—part 7

            Hebrews 11:1 explains that “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Strong defined hupostasis (5287), from which the English word substance was derived, as “a compound of 5259 and 2476; a setting under (support), i.e. (figuratively) concretely, essence, or abstractly, assurance (objectively or subjectively):--confidence, confident, person, substance.”  So, the essence of a Christian musician’s belief is not based on the lack of archeological evidence or the lack of historical writings that prove what is written in the Bible.  Certainly archeological findings and ancient historical writings may shed light on the Old Testament writings, but they do not ever prove that God’s word is false.  Hebrews 11:3 further explains that it is “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.” 

            The Christian musician’s faith i.e. pistis (4102) or persuasion or system of “true truth” is based on faith in God and the verity of His Word.  The Christian is able to understand or perceive the meaning of Scripture by the enlightenment given by the Holy Spirit.  Barnes explained, “It is not that we could reason this out, and demonstrate that the worlds were thus made; it is not that profane history goes back to that period and informs us of it; it is simply that God has told us so in his word.”  Barnes Notes—Hebrews to Jude, Albert Barnes, p. 250.