Faith

The writer of Hebrews draws a conclusion about Enoch.  Enoch, you remember, was the obscure figure of Genesis 5. About him, we know very little, except that he was the father of Methuseleh.  Yet, the writer of Hebrews draws the conclusion that Enoch was a genuine man of faith.

The evidence which supports this conclusion is that Enoch pleased God; that is why God took him up and spared him from death.  Enoch pleased God.  Therefore, Enoch had faith because, as the writer of Hebrews points out, without faith it is impossible to please God.  The only way one can please the Lord is to practice faith.

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is the Bible’s centerpoint for making faith plain.  The nature of faith is spelled out in terms of actions.  The chapter doesn’t speak so much of doctrine, but of doctrine put into practice.  The reason for this is that chapter 11 is a call to Christians to put their faith into action.  “We are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul,” declares Hebrews. 

It is time for Christian action to keep pace with Christian doctrine. Or, to put the matter another way, it is time for our faith to be turned to practice.  Put your faith in action today.  Practice your faith today. Take action by faith.  “Lay aside every encumbrance… and run with endurance the race of faith.”