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paralleling ASFG 1 lesson on “FAITH”
BIBLE READING: Hebrews 10:15 through 11th Chapter; Genesis, 49th Chapter
1. What Is Faith?
Faith is not a product of the intellect—it is a spiritual attribute of the soul. Cayce explains that faith is the inner spiritual knowledge of the Creative Forces of the universe. The writer of Hebrews defines it plainly:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1
This means faith is a real and active force that brings unseen spiritual truths into manifestation. It is not blind belief but an awareness of divine order beyond the physical senses.
Just as the human body has senses like sight and hearing, the soul has its own spiritual senses—faith, hope, patience, love, kindness, and more. If we neglect these inner senses, they become dormant, just as physical senses do when unused.
Faith works through the activity of the soul. As Jesus said:
“Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” — John 20:29
Through faith, Peter was able to recognize Jesus’ divine identity—“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16)—while others saw only a prophet. This was revelation born of faith, not reasoning.
2. Faith vs. Confidence
Cayce makes a vital distinction:
Confidence is trust that comes through the physical senses—believing in what we can see or measure.
Faith, however, arises from spiritual awareness. It begins where physical evidence ends.
When storms arise and fear sets in, we often cry, “Lord, help me, I perish!”—as Peter did when he began to sink upon the waves (Matthew 14:30). Jesus replied, “O thou of little faith.” In that moment, Peter’s confidence in the material world overcame his spiritual vision.
Faith, unlike confidence, does not depend on sight or proof. It is anchored in the unseen promises of God.
3. Faith in the Creative Forces (God)
Faith is the channel through which divine energy—called in Cayce’s terms the Creative Forces—flows into the physical world. When we act in faith, spiritual power manifests materially:
“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove.” — Matthew 17:20
Faith connects the spiritual with the physical. It is the “builder of the impossible,” the bridge between God’s promise and its fulfillment.
4. Faith Through the Ages – Examples from Scripture
Abraham
Called “the father of the faithful,” Abraham obeyed God without knowing the outcome.
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out… obeyed.” — Hebrews 11:8
He was the first to step out purely on faith—trusting God’s word over human reason.
Jacob (Israel)
Jacob, the “last patriarch,” foresaw through faith what would happen to his sons (Genesis 49). Though he loved Joseph most, Jacob’s prophetic insight revealed that the Messiah’s lineage would come through Judah, not Joseph. This was not personal preference but divine revelation born of faith.
“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come.” — Genesis 49:10
Faith enabled Jacob to see spiritually beyond what his emotions dictated. His prophetic vision shows that true faith aligns with divine purpose, not human sentiment.
Moses and the Prophets
The prophets—Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, Jeremiah—acted under the moving of the Holy Spirit, foretelling God’s plan to make His dwelling within humanity itself:
“The hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father… the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” — John 4:21-23
Cayce parallels this to Moses’ call for the people to purify themselves before the Lord spoke (Exodus 19:10-11). Even now, faith allows us to experience the new covenant—the indwelling of the Divine within.
5. The New Covenant and Inner Revelation
Faith is not static belief but an open door for divine communication. Jesus said:
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” — Revelation 3:20
This symbolizes God’s continual call to communion within the human soul. As Cayce notes, Jesus has entered “once and for all” into the Holy of Holies, making inner fellowship with God possible for all believers (Hebrews 9:12).
Faith, then, is the soul’s ability to recognize and respond to that divine presence.
6. Faith in Action
Faith must be exercised to grow—just as the body’s muscles strengthen with use.
“Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.” — James 2:18
Faith without expression becomes mere theory. But when faith acts, it transforms doubt into spiritual sight.
Jacob’s blessing of Judah, Peter’s confession of Christ, and Abraham’s journey all show that faith involves obedience to divine prompting, even when the outcome is unseen.
7. The Spiritual Evolution of the Soul
Cayce views faith as part of the soul’s eternal growth—its “evolution.” From Abraham (who began the path of faith) to Jacob (who foresaw through faith), the human spirit matures toward complete unity with God. Jesus fulfilled this evolution as the perfect man—faith made complete.
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” — Hebrews 12:2
Faith, then, is both the seed and the fruit of spiritual maturity.
8. Living Faith Today
To “be sprinkled from an evil conscience” means to release selfish desires and stand renewed before God (Hebrews 10:22). Faith cleanses the heart, not by ritual but by inner transformation. Patience, kindness, and love are all fruits of faith in action (Galatians 5:22-23).
Even when we falter, the prayer remains:
“Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” — Mark 9:24
Faith grows as we act upon it. Each moment of trust brings the soul nearer to its divine source.
Summary Statement
Faith is the living awareness of God within the soul, the spiritual eye that perceives what the physical eye cannot.
It is the evidence of divine order behind all things, the channel through which the unseen becomes visible.
As Hebrews 11 recounts, every act of true faith—by Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others—brought divine reality into human experience.
In Cayce’s view, when faith becomes an active attribute of the soul, humanity fulfills its divine potential: to manifest God’s Creative Forces on earth.
Affirmation
“Create in me a pure heart, O God.
Awaken in me the faith that sees Thee in all things.
Help mine unbelief — that I may know Thy presence within me,
in my neighbor, and in all creation.”
Supporting Verse:
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1
“Lord, increase our faith.” — Luke 17:5
Reflection:
This affirmation centers the soul on divine awareness — that faith is not wishing, but knowing. Each time you say it, let the words awaken a deep inner confidence that God is active in and through you.
Prayer on Faith
Father of Light,
Thou who hast made all things through Thy creative power,
help me to live by faith and not by sight.
When I falter, speak again within my heart,
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Let me remember that faith is the law of the spirit —
that mountains of doubt and fear are removed
not by effort alone, but by trusting in Thy will.
May I, like Abraham, step forward in trust;
like Peter, look beyond the waves of the world;
like Jacob, see the promise afar off.
Teach me patience, that I may know my soul.
Cleanse me from self, that I may be a clear channel
of Thy love and power.
In the name of the Christ within, Amen.
Supporting Verses:
“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed… nothing shall be impossible unto you.” — Matthew 17:20
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
“I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” — Mark 9:24
Meditation on Living Faith
Sit quietly, spine straight, breathing rhythmically.
With each breath, let the body grow still and the mind quiet.
Step 1 — Centering
Bring your attention to the heart. Feel the gentle rhythm of life pulsing there. Whisper inwardly:
“God is. I am in God, and God in me.”
Step 2 — Contemplation
Picture a small mustard seed in your heart — tiny, yet vibrant with life.
Each breath is divine energy nurturing it.
As you breathe, imagine that seed growing into a radiant light, expanding outward to fill your body and mind.
Step 3 — Illumination
Let this light extend to others — family, friends, even those you struggle with.
Feel faith not as belief, but as a living knowing that divine order and love sustain all.
Step 4 — Silent Union
Rest in quiet awareness.
No asking, no striving — only being.
When thoughts arise, return gently to the phrase:
“Thy will, O Lord, be done — in me, through me, as Thou seest fit.”
Scriptural Anchors:
“The kingdom of God is within you.” — Luke 17:21
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 2:5
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2
Closing Thought
Faith is the soul’s remembrance of its divine origin.
It grows when we act upon it, speak from it, and rest in it.
In meditation, prayer, and daily service, faith becomes sight — the light of God revealed through you.
HEBREWS 10:15 THROUGH 11 CHAPTER
The Book of Hebrews 10:15 through Chapter 11 is one of the richest portions of Scripture on the meaning and power of faith.
This passage serves as both a definition and a living illustration of faith in action through the stories of the patriarchs, prophets, and early believers.
Below is a clear, structured summary of the key ideas on faith from these chapters, supported by relevant verses and short explanations.
I. The New Covenant and the Foundation of Faith (Hebrews 10:15–23)
1. The Holy Spirit Testifies Within Us
“The Holy Ghost also is a witness to us…” — Hebrews 10:15
Faith begins with inner revelation — the Spirit writing God’s law upon the heart.
Faith is not mere belief in doctrine, but an inner knowing born of God’s Spirit dwelling within.
“I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.” — Hebrews 10:16
2. Assurance Through Christ’s Sacrifice
Faith is rooted in what Jesus accomplished:
“By one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.” — Hebrews 10:14
Because of this, believers can enter “the Holiest” — God’s presence — with boldness.
Faith is confidence in Christ’s finished work, not our own worthiness.
3. Holding Fast to Hope
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).” — Hebrews 10:23
Faith is perseverance.
Even when feelings fluctuate, faith clings to God’s faithfulness.
As Edgar Cayce noted: Faith is an attribute of the soul — it persists beyond the senses.
II. The Necessity of Faith (Hebrews 10:35–39)
4. Faith Endures Through Trial
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.” — Hebrews 10:35
Faith requires patience and endurance.
Trials refine faith, transforming belief into unshakable trust.
“The just shall live by faith.” — Hebrews 10:38 (quoted from Habakkuk 2:4)
Faith is not a single act but a way of life — a continual choosing to trust God despite outward appearances.
III. Definition of Faith (Hebrews 11:1–3)
5. Faith Is Substance and Evidence
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1
This is the core definition.
Faith gives reality (“substance”) to what is hoped for and reveals the invisible.
It is a spiritual faculty that perceives divine truth before it manifests materially.
6. Faith Perceives God’s Creative Power
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” — Hebrews 11:3
Faith recognizes divine order behind creation.
It “sees” what physical eyes cannot — that all things visible come from the unseen.
IV. Examples of Living Faith (Hebrews 11:4–40)
Each example in this chapter is a portrait of faith in action, showing that true faith always leads to obedience and endurance.
7. Faith Worships — Abel
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice…” — Hebrews 11:4
Faith is right relationship — worship that flows from the heart, not ritual.
8. Faith Walks with God — Enoch
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death.” — Hebrews 11:5
Faith transforms; it brings the soul into conscious union with God.
9. Faith Trusts Without Seeing — Noah
“By faith Noah… prepared an ark to the saving of his house.” — Hebrews 11:7
Faith acts upon divine warning before physical evidence appears.
It builds what others may ridicule.
10. Faith Obeys — Abraham
“By faith Abraham… went out, not knowing whither he went.” — Hebrews 11:8
Faith steps forward in trust, even when the destination is unknown.
It holds to the promise, not the circumstances.
11. Faith Believes the Impossible — Sarah
“Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed…” — Hebrews 11:11
Faith transcends natural limitation.
It believes that what God promises, He performs.
12. Faith Sees Beyond the Present
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off…” — Hebrews 11:13
Faith has spiritual vision — it perceives eternal purpose beyond the material world.
It lives as a “stranger and pilgrim,” knowing heaven is the true home.
13. Faith Is Tested — Abraham’s Offering
“By faith Abraham… offered up Isaac.” — Hebrews 11:17
Faith surrenders even what it loves most, trusting God’s plan completely.
14. Faith Foresees — Isaac, Jacob, Joseph
Each patriarch acted by faith in things yet to come:
Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning future things.
Jacob, dying, blessed the sons of Joseph.
Joseph prophesied of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.
Faith looks forward and speaks the unseen into being.
15. Faith Chooses Righteousness Over Pleasure — Moses
“By faith Moses… refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter… choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God.” — Hebrews 11:24–25
Faith values eternal truth above worldly success.
16. Faith Acts in Courage — Israel’s Deliverance
“By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land.” — Hebrews 11:29
Faith follows divine direction even when the way seems impossible.
17. Faith Conquers — Joshua and Rahab
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down…” — Hebrews 11:30
“By faith the harlot Rahab perished not…” — Hebrews 11:31
Faith tears down strongholds and redeems even the unlikely believer.
V. The Triumph and Endurance of Faith (Hebrews 11:32–40)
18. Faith Works Through All Circumstances
The writer names Gideon, Barak, Samson, David, Samuel — all who “through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises.” (Hebrews 11:33)
Faith is not confined to a single age or person — it is the same power at work in all who trust God.
19. Faith Endures Suffering
Others “were tortured… mocked and scourged… wandered in deserts and mountains…” (Hebrews 11:35–38).
True faith perseveres even when no earthly reward is seen.
20. Faith Looks to the Eternal Promise
“These all… received not the promise, God having provided some better thing for us.” — Hebrews 11:39–40
Faith connects generations — the faithful of the past and present are one in the same divine plan.
The promise finds fulfillment in Christ, and through Him, in us.
Summary: The Essence of Faith in Hebrews 10–11
Aspect - Key Idea - Supporting Verse
Faith’s Source - Inner revelation of the Spirit - Heb. 10:15–16
Faith’s Ground - Christ’s completed work - Heb. 10:14, 10:19
Faith’s Practice - Holding fast without wavering - Heb. 10:23
Faith’s Definition - Substance of things hoped for - Heb. 11:1
Faith’s Action - Obedience despite uncertainty - Heb. 11:8
Faith’s Vision - Seeing the unseen and eternal - Heb. 11:13
Faith’s Fruit - Courage, endurance, righteousness - Heb. 11:33–38
Faith’s Fulfillment Unity in God’s eternal promise - Heb. 11:39–40
GENESIS 49
Genesis 49 contains deep insights into faith, though not in the same doctrinal way as Hebrews 11.
Instead of defining faith, Genesis 49 demonstrates faith — through Jacob’s prophetic blessings upon his twelve sons before his death.
Each blessing reveals how faith perceives divine purpose beyond the material and visible world.
1. Faith Sees Beyond the Present — Jacob’s Prophetic Vision
“And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.” — Genesis 49:1
Jacob’s act is one of spiritual sight through faith.
He speaks not from personal judgment, but through divine revelation — foreseeing the destiny of each son’s lineage.
This shows that faith is the soul’s ability to perceive God’s unfolding plan, even beyond physical life.
Like the “elders” in Hebrews 11, Jacob dies in faith, “not having received the promises, but seeing them afar off” (Heb. 11:13).
Key idea:
Faith allows the soul to see what will be, though it is not yet visible.
Supporting Verse:
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7
2. Faith Is Rooted in Spiritual Purpose, Not Personal Preference
Jacob’s blessing of his sons is remarkable because it does not follow human favoritism.
He loved Joseph most, yet the spiritual promise — the messianic line — is given to Judah.
“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come.” — Genesis 49:10
This reveals that true faith aligns with God’s purpose, not our emotions or logic.
As Edgar Cayce noted, “It was not Jacob’s personal desire but faith that showed him the divine plan.”
Faith surrenders human will to divine order.
Key idea:
Faith submits to God’s plan even when it contradicts our personal expectations.
Supporting Verses:
“Not my will, but thine, be done.” — Luke 22:42
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” — Isaiah 55:8
3. Faith Interprets the Past and Future Spiritually
In blessing his sons, Jacob reflects on each of their life patterns, discerning divine purpose even in their failures or strengths.
For example:
Reuben’s instability (“Unstable as water”) becomes a lesson in lost birthright.
Simeon and Levi’s anger is rebuked, showing that faith must transcend passion.
Judah’s leadership is affirmed through prophecy of rulership and peace (“until Shiloh come”).
Joseph’s fruitfulness is recognized as divine favor despite suffering (“the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob”).
Jacob’s faith enables him to see spiritual meaning in every earthly circumstance — success, failure, or suffering.
Key idea:
Faith sees divine purpose in all experiences, interpreting life through the lens of eternity.
Supporting Verses:
“All things work together for good to them that love God.” — Romans 8:28
“What ye meant for evil, God meant for good.” — Genesis 50:20
4. Faith Transmits Blessing — the Continuity of Promise
Jacob’s act of blessing his sons represents faith as inheritance.
He passes not just words, but spiritual continuity — the awareness of God’s covenant extending through generations.
“All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them.” — Genesis 49:28
Faith is something that can be shared, transmitted, and multiplied through spiritual consciousness — the same “seed of faith” that Abraham carried, now living through Jacob’s sons.
Key idea:
Faith carries forward the divine covenant through generations.
Supporting Verses:
“The just shall live by faith.” — Habakkuk 2:4
“Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” — Galatians 3:7
5. Faith Faces Death with Peace and Purpose
After blessing his sons, Jacob commands them concerning his burial — not in Egypt, but in the land promised to Abraham and Isaac.
“I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers… in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah.” — Genesis 49:29–30
This is one of the greatest acts of faith in Scripture.
Jacob dies believing in the covenant — that God’s promises extend beyond his life and will be fulfilled in his descendants.
Just as Hebrews 11 later says:
“By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.” — Hebrews 11:21
Key idea:
Faith transcends death — it rests in God’s promise of eternal life and fulfillment beyond time.
Supporting Verses:
“I know that my Redeemer liveth.” — Job 19:25
“These all died in faith… seeking a better country, that is, a heavenly.” — Hebrews 11:13–16
Summary of Faith in Genesis 49
Theme - Description - Faith Principle
Prophetic Vision - Jacob foresees the destinies of his sons - Faith perceives the unseen
Divine Purpose - Judah chosen over Joseph - Faith aligns with God’s will, not preference
Spiritual Discernment - Interpreting life spiritually - Faith sees meaning in all experiences
Covenant Continuity - Blessings passed to generations - Faith endures through spiritual lineage
Eternal Perspective - Request for burial in promised land - Faith transcends time and death
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