On the first point: when evidence is drawn from the proper principles of something, it causes thing itself to be seen. But the evidence of divine authority does not make the thing itself to be seen, and such is the evidence of which the definition speaks.

But, Hebrews 11:1 is not the only place where we see this word. You see, “eimi” is the same verb Jesus used in the 6th chapter of the Gospel of John, where the frightened disciples see Him walking on the sea in the midst of a storm. They thought they were seeing an apparition. Jesus comforted them and said, “It is I be not afraid” (John 6:20). Just as there is in Jesus saying “It is I,” the same level of certainty applies to “ the substance of things hoped for.” It is also the evide

Substance. or, ground, or, confidence.

is professor emeritus of music at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His previous books include My Only Comfort: Death, Deliverance, and Discipleship in the Music of Bach Handel’s Messiah: Comfort for God’s People and A New Song for an Old World: Musical Thought in the Early Church.