Reply To: Grace And Faith 2024/2025 Discussion Board 1

[VictorKachi]

Examining the ten pillars of faith being taught shows how strong and effective faith can be. It’s crucial to understand that faith works in the present, which in turn influences the future.

Pillar #9 has already clarified that faith is first received in the supernatural realm before it manifests in the natural realm.

A look at Hebrew 11:39
Without a proper understanding, This verse can seem to contradict the truth that Faith always produces results because it highlights that many Old Testament figures demonstrated remarkable faith, yet they didn’t receive the promises they were looking forward to during their lifetimes.

1. Recieving is not only applicable to tangible object.
This is the point at which many individuals misunderstand the concept. Their understanding is often focused on what is tangible. Tangible results can be a part of God’s blessings, it’s crucial to understand that faith is not solely about receiving tangible outcomes because it operates in the supernatural.
The first part of the verse (Hebrews 11:39) recognizes that these figures from the Old Testament received commendation from God for their faith. However, they did not receive the full realization of the promises in their lives. Nevertheless, we can assert with confidence that significant spiritual outcomes were achieved.

2. Immediate vs delayed fulfillment
Another challenge most people encounter is that They always want it now, they want to feel, touch and receive their victory.
The second part of verse 39 points out that, while these Old Testament figures trusted in God’s promises, they did not receive the full realization of those promises during their lifetime. For example, Abraham was promised that his descendants would become a great nation, and that through him, all the nations of the earth would be blessed, (Genesis 12:2-3) did not live to see the full extent of this promise fulfilled. Similarly, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt but did not enter the Promised Land himself Deuteronomy 34:4. These examples show that while faith brings divine approval with instant supernatural results, it does not always result in immediate fulfillment of promises. Some individuals despite their strong faith, may not see the fulfillment of God’s promises during their lifetime. Heb 11:13 msg.

T. G. Selby and W. Gouge’s commentary on Hebrew 11:39 provides valuable insights into the nature of faith. Recognizing that God’s promises transcends individual lifes.

3. Jesus Christ: The fulfilment of our Victory.
I John 5:4 NKJV
1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV
Romans 8:37 NKJV
Faith receives the victory that christ has already provided for us. Essentially, a victory based on faith is not just about winning in the world’s eyes, but about experiencing a deeper, more profound victory that comes from aligning oneself with God’s will and experiencing His love and grace.

The promises made to the Old Testament saints pointed forward to something greater—the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God’s kingdom.
God’s plan was to unite all believers (past, present, and future) into one body through Jesus Christ. The fulfillment of these promises is ultimately found in Jesus Christ, who is the “yes” and “amen” to all of God’s promises (2 Corinthians 1:20).
The perfection that comes through Christ is shared by all who have faith in Him, whether they lived before or after His coming. The saints of old are not made perfect without us, and we are not made perfect without them. Together, all believers are part of God’s redemptive story, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

In conclusion
Victory and good results can not be scaled or measured in a lifetime. That’s not what pillar #10 supposes and it’s not the kind of result supernatural faith offers.
Faith is indeed powerful, it can lead to tangible results but it does not operate by sight (2cor 5:7),
By understanding these aspects, we can reconcile Hebrews 11:39 and the truth that faith is powerful and it produces results. It’s not just about getting quick results.
“Faith entails trusting in God’s promises and sovereignty, anchored in His unshakeable faithfulness. In Christ Jesus, believers have already been granted victory, thereby empowering them to navigate challenges with assurance and hope.”