Category: Faith

The paragons of faith listed by the Hebrew writer up to this point: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah all lived before God’s scheme of redemption had it’s beginning with the child of promise, Isaac. Though the fulfillment of God’s promises were yet future, we are told they “embraced them.” They recognized this life is not what it is all about. What matters is what God has promised about eternity!

This is what all who have faith in God are motivated by. As them, we desire a homeland. Abraham could have chosen to return to his father’s country. Instead he spent a lifetime in tents, knowing that his ultimate reward would come after his death. The land of Canaan, promised to Abraham’s descendants, was only a figure of the ultimate land that was the destination eagerly awaited by all who look to God for their hope. Hebrews states it as “a better, that is, a heavenly country.”

Their response was pleasing to God, bringing them a reward. Like Job, God was proud of their faith. Stated negatively, “God is not ashamed to be called their God.” Their response brought His praise, and a reward. Heaven was prepared for them (cf. 16).

God promised Abraham a son, though Sarah had been barren for their entire marriage, and both Abraham and Sarah were too old to have children. But, it was a promise of God. Sarah did have initial doubts, but as the text indicates, she “received strength to conceive seed.” Therefore though past the age of childbearing she had Isaac.

Sarah knew that God could and would give her the child. She “judged Him faithful who had promised.” We too need to have faith in both God’s ability and willingness to keep His promises. “Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides” (Psalm 119:90).

The significance of the birth of this child of promise can not be overemphasized. God had a plan. The plan began with Abraham, and was continued through Isaac, his son Jacob, and Jacob’s (Israel’s) sons. A great nation was born out of Isaac’s seed because of the faith of Abraham and Sarah (as good as dead, regarding siring children) as they believed the promise of God.

It is the same with our redemption. It is through Isaac that we are blessed as well. Jesus descended from Abraham, through Isaac.

Abraham is well represented in the biographies of faith mentioned here. These verses refer to the call of God given in Genesis 12:1-3. “Get out of your country, from your family, and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you…”
His was truly an act of faith, traveling to a place he did not know in answer to God. Here is an example which we will see again and again, demonstrating that true faith leads to obedience.

Abraham’s life from that point on was one of a pilgrim in a strange land. He lived in tents with his family. Specifically mentioned were his son (Isaac) and grandson (Jacob), through which the promise would one day be fulfilled. Understand, Abraham sojourned in this land for his entire life! He, as others, lived and died without having seen the promises made to him on that day (cf. 11:39-40).

Why would Abraham do such? Because he trusted God, and was willing to endure a difficult life to obtain a much better one in eternity! He “waited for the city… whose builder and maker is God”!

A discussion of 2 Kings 4-13, where Elisha is referred to as “the man of God” multiple times.  Applications are made.

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The last pre-Abrahamic paragon of faith mentioned by the Hebrew writer is Noah. To read the account of Noah’s life (including the flood) go to Genesis 6:8 – 9:29). There are many aspects of his life that are worthy of examination: The wickedness present in his age; his influence over his family; his preaching; his deliverence; his worship to God; God’s directions to him post-flood; God’s promises to him and his descendants.

The Hebrew writer chose to show how Noah’s amazing faith led to obedience. Moved with godly fear, he “prepared an ark for the saving of his household.” The writer says that this obedient faith “condemned the world.” This truth is affirmed by Jesus, who said the same of the queen of the south, and the men of Nineveh who would rise up in that generation to condemn it. (cf. Matthew 12:41-42). The contrast between faithful obedience and rebelliousness is clear.

Further, Noah’s faith made him an “heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” His blessing from God is not exclusive. It is shared by all those listed in Hebrews 11, and us too, as we become “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16) as we obtain this faith.

The portraits of faith begin here with two individuals from the early years of men. Abel (Adam’s second son) offered a sacrifice by faith. (Note: Faith comes by hearing God’s word, cf Romans 10:17). Abel did what God directed, his older brother Cain did not. Abel’s reward – though “being dead” his righteous example still speaks to us.

Enoch, sixth generation from Adam “walked with God; and he was not, for God took him” (Genesis 5:24). Hebrews 11 explains that “walked with God” indicated Enoch’s faithful obedience pleased God. This gives us a very important truth regarding how to please God.

This is indicated in verse 6. Without faith, (generated from God’s word), it in not possible to please God. Note that here faith is not at all separated from obedience. The first aspect of faith mentioned is an acknowledgement of God’s existence. The second aspect of this faith that is mentioned in verse 6 is obedience. Consider the writer’s words, “that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

We are saved by faith. That faith is an obedient faith! (cf. James 2:17).

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is perhaps the best known chapter of the whole book. Given several names, a favorite is “God’s Hall of Fame of Faith.” The text begins with an explanation of faith itself.

Is it the substructure or foundation of our hope as Christians. Our faith is founded upon God’s promises. It is not merely a superstition or blind supposition, it is grounded in all that God has revealed and proved to mankind through the ages. All of the miracles, fulfilled prophecies, and ultimately the demonstration of God’s power over death in the resurrection of the Christ, give us an anchor or rock for our hope. We believe! We know! God will grant us eternal life!

Faith is the evidence needed to validate all things spiritual. Physical things are easy. To consistently focus on heaven and our future existence is harder. God has supplied the answers. We can know. This sustained the “elders” those who went before. It will sustain us as well.

The unbeliever wonders at our existence. He grapples with how we came to exist, why we are here. The Christian knows the answer – God!

A discussion of Philippians 3:3-11, identifying what uniquely has proper value for mankind, Jesus Christ.  It is necessary that we differentiate between Him and all else!

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An examination of Romans 10, where Paul establishes clearly the limitations of justification by the Old Law of Moses, as contrasted with salvation through faith in Christ. 

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Our faith needs to permeate every aspect of our lives.  Our homes, our schooling, our jobs, our interactions socially.  We should emanate the reflected light of our Lord!

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