J.A. Matteson
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). The word "evidence" may also be translated as verification or proof. Faith is an inner assurance. Faith perseveres when rational common sense outcomes appear impossible. Faith is also the verification or proof to the unbelieving world of what is unseen; namely, the kingdom of God, "Truly, truly I say unto you that unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). To see or perceive the invisible kingdom requires faith, but unless one is first born again faith remains absent. Faith itself is the gift of God and is of grace, it cannot be merited. Faith expressed before the world is the proof or validation of the Holy Spirit's work of regeneration which is invisible, although His effect is recognized as faith, "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). So faith bears witness in two directions to the reality of the kingdom of God: to the Christian by the indwelling Spirit, and to the world by the Christians witness. Soli Deo Gloria
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