The writer of Hebrews makes this simple but powerful statement…
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
(Hebrews 11:6)
In terms of belief, on the inspired writer’s mind was not simply the notion that God exists. Instead, the writer wants you to acknowledge that God is supreme. It’s not enough just to make a mental note that there is a Creator. What good is that if you have no intention of serving Him? You must believe, not just that He is real, but that He is God. Believe God is God.
That might sound strange, and you might even ask: “Why should I need to believe God is God? What else would God be?”
But you can talk to the most devout atheist and ask him “who is God?” and he will not refuse to answer the question. He will say “God is a figment of your imagination…” He will say “God is a fictitious crutch for weak people…” He will say “God is a nonsense relic of a bygone era…” He will say all sorts of things, but he will start each saying with “God is…” And yet, that atheist is lost and will remain so until he concedes that God is God.
The atheist does not believe God exists, but the agnostic is at least willing to concede that He might. He would answer the question: “God is a possibility…” He might say “God is a potential explanation…” He might say “God is maybe one of many ways in which this or that took place…” He will say all sorts of things, but he will start each saying with “God is…” And yet, that agnostic is lost and will remain so until he concedes that God is God.
The atheist does not believe God exists. The agnostic thinks He might. The casually-religious person believes He exists but hasn’t yet obeyed Him. He would answer the question: “God is a comforting idea.” He would say “God is the summation of all the good feelings of life.” He would say “God is the gentle breeze that I feel when I’m anxious.” He will say all sorts of things, but he will start each saying with “God is…” And yet, that casually-religious person is lost and will remain so until he concedes that God is God.
The “faith” talked about in the Hebrews text means reliance. It means obedience. It means submission. It means believing that God is GOD, that He is supreme, that He is Lord and master of our lives. That sort of commitment leads to us diligently seeking Him, and being rewarded by Him for it.
~Matthew