“I see,” says the blind man. According to grammarhow.com, “(the) phrase is known as a Wellerism, named after Sam Weller in Charles Dickens’ ‘The Pickwick Papers.’” What does this mean? Grammarhow continues to say, “(the) meaning is that a person has understood or comprehended something, but they can’t entirely do so.” Of course, the blind man cannot see, but it is implying that he comprehends something without the ability to know what he is seeing.” (Source: grammarhow.com/I-see-said-the-blind-man-as-he-waved-his-wooden-leg-meaning-origin). As old as the meaning is, we still use it today as one responding to someone who thinks something is impossible for us to do.
This abbreviated saying is relevant to my title, Is Faith a Vague Concept? But prior to addressing the relevance, let us take a look at the Word of God and the use of the word faith/faithfulness.
Strong’s Concordance (#530) indicates that the Hebrew word is emunah. The word is a feminine noun and is used forty-nine times in the Old Testament (“O.T.”). It is translated as “firmness, steadfastness, fidelity” per Strong’s Concordance. Other possible definitions include “be steady, firm, and trustworthy.” While the O. T. only uses the term a few times, the New Testament (“N. T.”) uses it hundreds of times – some say up to five hundred times. The Greek term for faith is pistis(noun) and the verb pisteuo to believe.
Faith in the O. T. is used as a response to the promises made by God to the people. (Source: jewish.shop/37032/what-is-faith-in-hebrew). The Hebrew verb aman is translated as “to believe.” “Abram. . .believed the Lord, and he credited to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6, paraphrased) Additionally, Hebrew scholars suggest this verb also implies that this belief is something you cannot see. Vague? or Real? Later, we will see faith in action as Abraham was about to sacrifice his one and only son as God had requested. But God saw his faith and provided an alternative sacrifice.
The O. T. prophet, Habakkuk, is oft quoted by St. Paul in the N. T. re: faith. Habakkuk was a prophet contemporary with Jeremiah prior to the southern tribes taken into captivity by the Babylonians. His short book is quite interesting as God and Habakkuk dialogue over Judah’s destiny. The prophet was perplexed that God would use these ruthless Babylonians. But God made it perfectly clear that Babylon would lose in the end! In chapter two, we see the following, “Behold, he whose soul is not upright in him shall fail, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” (2:4, ASV). Habakkuk now ends his book with a great prayer that summarizes his deep faith and awe of his Lord. And in the final verse, he says, “(the) Sovereign Lord is my strength.”
This story in Habakkuk reminds you and me today that God indeed was faithful in his action. After seventy years in captivity, the Israelites did return to their country as a remnant remained faithful to their Lord.
The prophet Jeremiah writes in his book of Lamentations (laments), “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, the Lord is my portion. . .” (Lamentations 3:22-23) That’s faith speaking! Vague or real? As we have seen in the O. T., faith was indeed present in His people. God’s prophets remained faithful and proclaimed His promise to deliver them. That is assurance!
As we move to the New Testament (“N. T.”), we see that famous faith statement in Hebrews 11:1. Listen! “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.” The Greek word for faith (pistis) and hypostasis which means “assurance, steadiness, a standing.” The NIV translates with the phrase, “being sure” versus “assurance.” The Greek word for assurance is “the Lord’s guarantee to fulfill faith he inbirths,” says Strong’s Concordance. In essence, the Hebrews author is saying that faith is not yet fulfilled.
As stated, the N. T. uses the word faith/faithfulness more so that its O. T. counterpart. The Dictionary of Bible Themes says faith is “(a) constant outlook of trust towards God.” (Source: biblestudytools.com) The N. T. epistle authors speak of faith frequently to its constituents around the new churches established in the name of Christ, the Messiah. St. Paul reminds the church at Corinth that “we live by faith, not by sight.” Yes, God is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), which collaborates the O. T. use of emunah.
St. Paul writes to the church at Galatia, “we are justified by faith,” and “(I) live by faith in the Son of God.” (Galatians 2:16,20) Perhaps Paul’s most prominent statement regarding faith is from his letter to the church at Ephesus. Listen! “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2: 8-9) St. Paul also gives good advice to his student, Timothy, this way: “fight the good fight of faith” that follows Paul’s encouraging his student to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Jesus’ brother, James, writes that the world will present trials, but faith produces perseverance and keeps us one with God!
Yes, the goal of faith is salvation! (1 Peter 1:9). That is not vague, but a reality as we stand firm and assured of God’s promises. After all, God cannot change and has been faithful since before creation. How is faith affirmed? Well, St. Paul reminds his church at Galatia, that the fruits of the spirit are: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22) Yes, the seventh fruit of the spirit is faithfulness.
“I see, says the blind man!” Just as the saying implies that the blind man comprehends regardless of his inability to see. So, hope does not disappoint us, says Scripture. (Romans 5:5) God imparted faith by His Holy Spirit in Holy Baptism. And we live by that faith not by sight! May the God of all grace and mercy continue to shine on us as we live in faith in the hope of eternity with Him who was sin for us and salvaged our souls from eternal damnation. And that is a reality! (FAITH=forsaking all I trust Him)
Peace
Connected in Him, I stand
GHR
