Lutheran Lens Commentary: Hebrews 11:1-3

Lutheran Lens Reading of Hebrews 11:1-3

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

In the Lutheran Lens tradition, we read Hebrews 11:1-3 as a profound proclamation of faith as both gift and assurance. This passage functions as Gospel, delivering the promise of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen. It comforts us with the certainty that faith is not a human work but a divine gift, created by the Holy Spirit through the means of grace. We see the emphasis on faith as the foundation upon which our justification rests, highlighting the assurance we have in Christ alone.

Key Language Decisions

In the original Greek, the word 'hypostasis' (translated as 'assurance' or 'substance') conveys the idea of a firm foundation, which aligns with our understanding of faith as the confidence in God's promises. The term 'elegchos' (translated as 'conviction' or 'evidence') supports the view that faith gives believers a foretaste of the reality of God's promises. The Lutheran tradition emphasizes these translations to underscore the objective nature of faith as rooted in Christ's work, rather than subjective human effort.

Where Traditions Diverge

The Lutheran Lens tradition diverges from Reformed perspectives that may emphasize faith as an act of human will. We differ from Roman Catholic readings that might integrate works into the concept of faith. Our tradition insists on faith as a gift of the Holy Spirit, unmerited and not contingent on human cooperation, emphasizing the Gospel's unconditional promise. This distinction matters theologically because it preserves the purity of the Gospel and the assurance of salvation solely by grace.

Pastoral Application

A Lutheran Lens pastor should proclaim this passage as a profound assurance of our baptismal identity, highlighting that our faith, as a gift, assures us of God's promises amidst the realities of life. Emphasize that believers live by faith, not sight, grounded in the means of grace. Congregants should hear the promise that their faith, though not always visible, is real and effective because it rests on Christ's finished work. The sermon should comfort the hearers with the certainty of their justification, encouraging them to live out their vocations with the assurance that faith is the evidence of things not seen.

Cross-References: Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:17; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 12:2

Doctrinal Connections: justification by faith alone; means of grace; simul justus et peccator; the theology of the cross; the Office of the Holy Ministry