How Can We Approach God with a Faith that Believes and Receives?

Understanding the Essential Nature of Faith

Hebrews 11:6 states, “Whoever would draw near to God must believe that he is and that he is the rewarder of those seeking him.” This foundational truth emphasizes the necessity of faith in approaching Jehovah. Faith is more than mere acknowledgment of God’s existence; it is an active trust that He is both real and involved in the lives of those who diligently seek Him. Faith, as defined in Hebrews 11:1, is “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This assurance goes beyond intellectual belief; it engages the heart and influences the actions of the believer, motivating one to seek a closer relationship with Jehovah.

Faith is essential because it affirms God’s reality and His responsiveness to human needs. Without this belief, any attempt to approach God would be superficial and lacking substance. Hebrews 11:6 specifically calls for belief in two things: that God “is” and that He “rewards” those who earnestly seek Him. These two aspects are inseparable; acknowledging that Jehovah exists naturally leads to trusting in His promises and His willingness to respond to our pursuit of Him.

Jehovah as the Rewarder of Faith

The term “rewarder” used in Hebrews 11:6 reflects a crucial aspect of God’s nature. Jehovah is not distant or indifferent to those who seek Him; rather, He is actively involved in blessing and encouraging them. This idea is consistent throughout Scripture, where Jehovah is shown to reward those who demonstrate trust and obedience. For example, Psalm 34:10 assures us that “those who seek Jehovah lack no good thing.” Jehovah promises to meet the needs of His people, rewarding their faith and steadfastness.

Jehovah’s rewards, however, are not always material or immediate. Many of His blessings are spiritual, such as peace, wisdom, and strength to endure trials. This is evident in the life of the apostle Paul, who, despite enduring hardships, could say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Paul’s life illustrates that Jehovah’s rewards include the fulfillment of a life lived in obedience, as well as the hope of eternal life in His Kingdom. Thus, faith enables believers to persevere, knowing that Jehovah’s rewards are sure.

Examples of Faith in Hebrews 11

The “faith chapter” of Hebrews 11 presents numerous examples of individuals who drew near to God through faith. Each example illustrates how faith motivated them to act according to God’s promises, even when these promises seemed beyond reach. Abel’s offering was accepted because he believed in Jehovah’s worthiness (Hebrews 11:4). Enoch “walked with God” (Genesis 5:24) because he trusted in Jehovah’s guidance, resulting in his being “taken up” by God (Hebrews 11:5). These men lived in different times and under different circumstances, yet their faith provided a common ground in their relationship with Jehovah.

The chapter highlights Abraham as a key example of faith. Hebrews 11:8 notes, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance.” Abraham left his homeland, not knowing where he was going, solely because he trusted Jehovah’s word. Later, his faith was tested further when Jehovah asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham’s willingness to obey, even in this, demonstrated his complete confidence in Jehovah as the One who could fulfill His promises, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:19). Abraham’s life reveals the depth of faith required to draw near to Jehovah and receive His blessings.

Faith as the Basis for Pleasing Jehovah

Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes that “without faith it is impossible to please him.” Faith is not optional for those who wish to serve Jehovah; it is essential. This truth is underscored in the lives of all believers who earnestly seek Jehovah and wish to live in a way that honors Him. Faith is the foundation upon which all righteous actions are built. It allows believers to endure trials, remain steadfast, and trust Jehovah’s timing. Faith anchors the soul, giving strength to stand firm regardless of circumstances.

Jehovah’s delight in faith is further illustrated by His response to faithful individuals throughout the Bible. Hebrews 11:7 states that Noah, “being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household.” Noah’s faith led him to obey Jehovah’s warning, even though he had never seen rain or flooding on such a scale. His faith-driven obedience not only saved him and his family but also demonstrated to all future generations the importance of heeding Jehovah’s word.

Cultivating a Faith that Draws Near to God

To approach Jehovah with a faith that believes and receives, one must cultivate a relationship with Him through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to His commands. James 4:8 encourages believers, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” This verse speaks to the reciprocal nature of the relationship between Jehovah and His people. Jehovah responds to those who earnestly seek Him, drawing them closer to His heart and providing the guidance they need.

Studying Scripture is foundational to building faith, as Romans 10:17 teaches: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Through Scripture, believers are reminded of Jehovah’s promises, His faithfulness, and His power. Regular engagement with His word strengthens trust in Him and reinforces the belief that He is both willing and able to reward those who seek Him.

Prayer is another vital component of cultivating faith. Jesus taught His disciples to pray with confidence, saying in Matthew 21:22, “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Prayer expresses reliance on Jehovah, acknowledging His sovereignty and submitting to His will. Through prayer, believers lay their concerns before Jehovah, trusting that He will act according to His wisdom and timing.

The Rewards of Seeking Jehovah with a Faithful Heart

Faithful believers who seek Jehovah with their whole heart are promised rewards that transcend earthly wealth or status. Jehovah’s blessings often come in the form of spiritual strength, inner peace, and the assurance of His presence. Philippians 4:7 describes this peace as “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,” a gift given to those who trust in Jehovah’s providence. This peace stabilizes the believer in times of hardship, providing comfort and resilience.

Another reward is the guidance Jehovah offers to those who seek Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to “trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Jehovah’s guidance is a precious reward, leading believers on the path of righteousness and helping them to avoid the pitfalls of worldly distractions.

Ultimately, the greatest reward for those who seek Jehovah is eternal life in His Kingdom. This promise is not only a future hope but also a present motivation to live a life that honors Him. Jesus assured His followers in John 14:2-3, “In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you.” The promise of eternal life is a profound incentive, urging believers to seek Jehovah with undivided loyalty and faithfulness.

Faith as a Means of Overcoming Life’s Challenges

Faith in Jehovah empowers believers to face life’s difficulties with courage and confidence. Trials are an inevitable part of the human experience, but faith provides the assurance that Jehovah is present and actively working on behalf of His people. Isaiah 41:10 offers comfort, saying, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Jehovah’s promise to uphold His people enables them to endure challenges with steadfast faith, knowing that He will provide the strength needed to overcome.

Faith also allows believers to view suffering from an eternal perspective. Paul, who experienced many hardships, wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” Faith transforms trials into opportunities for spiritual growth, strengthening the believer’s character and drawing them closer to Jehovah. In this way, faith serves as a source of hope, enabling believers to look beyond their present circumstances and trust in Jehovah’s ultimate plan.

Reflecting Jehovah’s Faithfulness in Our Lives

Just as Jehovah is faithful to His promises, He calls His people to demonstrate faithfulness in their relationship with Him. Faithfulness is a mark of spiritual maturity, reflecting a steadfast commitment to Jehovah’s will. Believers are called to live lives that embody faith, setting an example for others and bearing witness to the trustworthiness of Jehovah.

Living a life of faith involves daily choices that honor Jehovah, whether through personal integrity, kindness toward others, or perseverance in trials. As Hebrews 10:23 urges, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” This unwavering commitment to faithfulness is an expression of trust in Jehovah, affirming that His promises are sure and that His rewards await those who seek Him diligently.

In summary, drawing near to Jehovah requires a faith that acknowledges His reality and trusts in His rewards. This faith is cultivated through a relationship grounded in Scripture, prayer, and obedience. As believers seek Jehovah, they receive blessings that go beyond worldly understanding, strengthening them in trials and guiding them on the path of righteousness. Jehovah’s promise to reward those who diligently seek Him is a profound assurance, encouraging believers to live lives marked by faith, knowing that He is faithful and will fulfill His promises.

You May Also Enjoy

Strengthening Faith by Adding Godliness to Perseverance

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).