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The writer of The Epistle to the Hebrews, obviously a most intellectual man and a learned theologian, before writing at length on the nature of faith and the marvelous results attending it, tried to put into a few words a condensed definition of faith: "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1).

In other words, faith takes right hold of the substance of the things desired and brings into the world of evidence the things that before were not seen. Further speaking of faith, the writer said, "What is seen was made from things that are not visible" (Heb. 11:3). In some way, then, we understand that whatever we want is in this surrounding invisible substance, and faith is the power that can bring it out into actuality to us.

After having cited innumerable instances of marvelous things brought to pass in the lives of men, not by their work or efforts, but by faith, the Epistle says: "And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets --- who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection" (Heb. 11:32-35).