Hebrews 11 is commonly called the FAITH CHAPTER.  In this chapter we read of many great accomplishments done through faith in the Lord.  We read of many who were able to suffer greatly for the Lord’s sake because of the faith they had in Him. 

In Hebrews 3:12, we also see the terrible consequences of not having faith.  That says, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”  We read, too, of the unbelieving Israelites in Hebrews 3:19, “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”

So, let’s read Hebrews 11:5-6, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Enoch was translated (transported, carried away) by faith that he should not see death. Enoch, who walked with God, believed God, and prophesied on the behalf of God (read Jude 14-15) went to heaven without experiencing death. The power of death was destroyed in his case; the power of that life he possessed was manifested in his translation. How blessedly Enoch shows forth that by faith, righteousness and life are bestowed upon those who believe. It is only by and through faith that one can truly please the Lord.  Without faith, Enoch could not have pleased God and been blessed in such a way. 

Have you ever heard of someone praying, “God, if you are real, please show me”?  Or, have you heard someone suggest that you can ‘try’ God to see if He is real, and believe in Him on the basis of “IF” He is real.  This is not faith.  Faith does not question the Lord or His existence.  Faith accepts what the Lord says to us in His Word.  We learn from this verse that IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to please God without having faith in Him.  We do not come to the Lord on a trial basis.  Romans 14:23 tells us that “…whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” 

To come to God, one MUST believe that God is real, that He exists.  For the repentant sinner to come to God, he MUST believe that God is.  For the one who desires to worship God, he MUST believe that God is.  It’s been said that faith is simply taking God at His word.  The expression of faith is given to us in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  This verse is better understood by reading it from the RSV which says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  Faith causes us to lay hold on what we receive from the Word of God and brings it into the life of the believer, so that in the presence and power of it he lives and walks.

It is faith that will cause us to “diligently seek Him.”  Faith assures us that the Lord ALWAYS keeps His promises to us (2 Corinthians 1:20).  Faith assures that the Lord will NEVER leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  Faith assures us that the Lord will ALWAYS answer our prayers according to His perfect love and will (1 John 5:14-15).   With this faith, surely we will constantly seek out the Lord for His guidance, blessings, love, etc.  So, this faith that causes us to cast ourselves upon Him continually is a natural result of the belief that God exists. If we could not believe that God would hear and answer our prayers, there could be no encouragement to call upon him.  (CC)  (613.2)