Hebrews 11:3

The Transitional Role of Hebrews 11:3

Last week we examined the definition of faith: the realization of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. This understanding applies to a group facing opposition—some genuinely converted to Christianity, others maintaining a mere profession of faith, all formerly Jews. The first ten chapters explain the gospel: Christ's crucifixion, completed salvation, forgiveness of sins, and newness of life.

Hebrews 11:3 serves as a transitional verse. It expands on the definition of faith and lays the foundation for the "faith hall of fame" that follows—the Old Testament saints whose lives demonstrated faith. There are three key points in this verse.

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

1. The Power of the Word of God in Creation

Hebrews 11:3 presents the power of God's word, which created everything we see. This is the doctrine of creation: God spoke, and existence came from nothing. Unlike humans, who use pre-existing materials to build or paint, God required no such materials. He simply spoke, and it was.

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

—Psalm 33:6

Before creation, there was only the triune God. When He spoke, creation happened—like breathing it into existence.

This power extends beyond creation. God commands non-existence into existence, as in Genesis: "Let there be light," and there was light.

So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

—Isaiah 55:11

In a salvific context, God's word accomplishes and prospers. If He declares He will exchange a heart of stone for a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36), it happens. If He promises never to remember our sins for those trusting Christ, we can fully rely on it.

Christian, does it comfort you that your sins are not counted against you because God has declared it? Romans 8:28 assures that He works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. The God whose ways and thoughts are higher than ours desires our eternal worship.

2. Creation Illustrates Faith

The author uses creation not casually, but to illustrate faith—specifically saving faith. Saving faith produces understanding beyond reason, knowledge of what Scripture reveals: God created everything in six literal days and rested on the seventh.

There is a disconnect for those professing faith in Christ yet embracing contradictory views on creation. True saving faith, stewarded well and resting on Christ, produces change.

Hebrews 11:3 states: "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." Faith is conviction of things not seen. Creation shows visible things made from invisible ones, evidencing the unseen—like faith as evidence of the unseen (as in some translations).

Paul notes in Romans that we hope for what we do not see. Creation declares God's existence; by faith, we understand it.

3. Creation Connects to Recreation

Hebrews 11:3 bridges to the faith hall of fame. Before listing Old Testament saints whose unseen faith produced visible works, it starts with us: "By faith we understand." Embracing Scripture's truths places you in the faith hall of fame.

This links creation to recreation—salvation. Creation from nothing parallels new creation in Christ.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

—2 Corinthians 5:17

The original creation fell through Adam and Eve's sin, corrupting it. Redemption recreates spiritually. Becoming a Christian is not adding beliefs to old ones (like Gnosticism), but becoming new. The invisible work of Christ produces visible change: crucifying the flesh (Galatians 5:24).

Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God... The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.

—John 3 (selected)

A supernatural, invisible work enables belief, producing visible fruit. This counters easy-believism, where profession lacks matching lifestyle. The chapter's examples show true saving faith producing amazing (and enduring) results.

Application: Live as New Creations

The author comforts his audience, who professed faith amid opposition but saw little growth. Creation-recreation explains what happened: invisible work producing visible newness. This encourages perseverance and mutual faith (Romans 1:11-12).

Do our lives match our profession? When we leave church, are we new creations? Have old things passed away? Drunkards no longer drunk, fornicators no longer fornicating? Are trials defining us, or our identity in Christ?

We share the faith of Abraham and the faithful family. The same word-power creating heavens recreates us. Face trials with this faith for victory. Faith is no hobby—it's life-changing, overcoming the world (1 John 5:4). It brings victories and endurance, even in suffering, as Hebrews 11 shows.

When God works invisibly through His promises, visible reality follows. Live by faith, matching profession to new creation.