Why God Exists (Hebrews 11:6)

Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith (it is) impossible to please (Him); for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and (that) He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (KJV)

PARAPHRASE

To paraphrase this verse, and yet convey the original meaning found in the richness of these words, it could be stated that;

"Apart from, or in the absence of, faith, we are, for all time, powerless to receive any commendation from Him, or to be of any use to Him, in the kingdom; because when we come, as worshippers to Him, we must believe that He exists as a rewarder, and that He will become a rewarder, of those who wear a path to Him, [by their consistent coming to Him], and a rewarder, of those who do not give up on what they are seeking from Him, until they have obtained it!"

[see the study Wear a Path to God]

The purpose of this study, is to elaborate on the description of God, our Father, as a "rewarder".

REWARDER

The literal rendering of this word, is "one who pays back wages". On the surface, this is a fairly straight forward definition, and doesn't appear, initially, to have much room for comment beyond what is obvious. However, there is always something greater and more profound, that God has in store for us, than what is obvious.

The word group comes from the financial arena, and is specifically related to paying wages to workers for various services rendered to an employer. But, what is significant, is that the word group, in historical literature, is constantly associated with the payment of wages agreed upon by contract.

In other words, the word does not just refer to paying what is due to another, by an employer, but it refers, consistently, to 'what is legally due, because of contractual agreement', set in force, and agreed upon, prior to any services being rendered. A legally binding contract is set in force, and once that contract is in force, then it is guaranteed, that the worker will receive what is stipulated, without question, by the employer.

This principle is illustrated in the parable Jesus told about the laborers that went to work in the vineyard. (Matt. 20:1-16). The man agreed with them for a specific wage, prior to any work being started (20:2), and what was agreed upon was paid (20:13,14). No one, unless they are extremely foolish, makes a commitment to work for a company, or employer, without first agreeing upon the wage they are to receive. 

ABRAHAM 

Interestingly enough, the first use of this word group in the scriptures, is Genesis 15:1, where after Abraham had made a covenant with God, through Melchizedek, and had sworn an oath [ "... I have lifted up my hand.." (14:22) ], God appears to him in a vision, saying, "Fear not Abram, I (am) your shield, (and) your exceedingly great REWARD" (15:1). To which Abraham immediately responded, "... what will you give me...".

God was saying that He would protect Abraham, [shield] but also, that He would obligate Himself, by contract [covenant] to provide much more than Abraham ever could have realized from the spoils of the war he had just fought.

Though not scriptural, in Jewish tradition, in reference to this event, Abraham is reported to have said, "What was I that you should agree with me upon a reward, which is much more perfect than a grace and a gift?"

HEBREWS 11:6

In  Hebrews 11:6 we must realize that the words used to convey our Father's message to us, are very emphatic; very absolute; and unshakeable in purpose.

God, our Father, is saying,  "I EXIST to honor MY contract/covenant that I have made with you, to the most extreme, minute detail, and I WILL BECOME your God, who honors MY contract/covenant with you, to the utmost extreme measure, for all of you who will NOT GIVE UP up until you have obtained what has been promised!" 

Don't give up! Let God, our Father, BECOME, for you, the God who honors His contract with you, because He EXISTS to fulfill His plan and purpose for your life.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours.