This question came up in one of my online seminary classes this week.
Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Why doesn’t it just say that he who comes to God must believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him? Why add, “must believe that He is”?
I suggested in class that the author of Hebrews is alluding to the name God gave to Moses at the burning bush: “And God said to Moses, ‘I AM [Haya] WHO I AM [Haya].’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, “I AM [Haya] has sent me to you”’” (Exod 3:14). The Greek OT translates the first “I am” as egō eimi (I am) and the other two as ho ōn (the One who is).
Ellingsworth slightly agrees: “A faint echo of Ex. 3:14 may be heard here, especially since Heb. 11:16 alludes to Ex. 3:6, 15” (Hebrews, p. 577).
John Piper is more emphatic:
God exists absolutely. He did not come into being and will never go out of being. He is not becoming or growing or changing. He said, “I am who I am” (Exodus 3:14). That is his name. He absolutely is. Therefore, he is pleased when this absolute existence is known and embraced. He is pleased when what he is is reflected in our lives (see here).
Most commentators think that esti (He is) merely means “He exists.” However, that is obvious. There would be no reason to say that.
The Lord Jesus often said egō eimi, “I am.” For example, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). Also, “I who speak to you am He” (John 4:26). More literally that could be translated: Jesus said to her, “I am, the One who is speaking to you. The NASB is close to that “Jesus said to her, I am He, the One speaking to you.” Many English translations retain “I am” for egō eimi.
To believe “that He is” means one believes that God is the sovereign ruler of the universe, that He is omnipotent, and that He will do all He promises. F. F. Bruce comments, “Those who approach him can do so in full confidence that he exists, that his word is true, and that he will never put off or disappoint the person who sincerely seeks him” (Hebrews, p. 287, italics added). Raymond Brown says, “Belief in his existence means commitment to his presence and involvement in every part of our lives” (Hebrews, p. 201, italics added).
“Believe that He is” starts with believing that He gives everlasting life that cannot be lost to whoever believes in Him. That is the ultimate promise of life everlasting (John 3:16; 5:24; 6:35, 37, 39, 47; 11:25-26). Unless we believe He is the Guarantor of everlasting life to all who believe in Him for it, we do not believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Lordship Salvation preachers rarely talk about God’s rewarding anyone for anything.
Remember, “I am” sent you as His ambassador.
Keep grace in focus.
