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The Superiority of Christ’s Power

�1� Copyright © 2002 Klaus Schiessel Hebrews Chapter 11

HEBREWS 11 THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH

THE POWER & PROMISES OF GOD FORM THE FOUNDATION OF FAITH

Just as 1 Corinthians 13 has been called “The Love Chapter” and 1 Corinthians 15 has been called “The Resurrection Chapter”, this chapter of the Bible has been called the “Faith Chapter”. It can also be referred to as “Portraits of Faith” or “Hall of the Faithful” and contained in it are the “Heroes of Faith”. As we shall see, every one of these individuals is mentioned simply because they put their complete trust in the power and promises of the LORD. We must do the same thing since, as Gentile Christians, we are part of the “household of faith” with all the Jewish saints! {Galatians 6:10}.

Verses 1-3 Ø THE BIBLICAL DESCRIPTION OF FAITH [1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders1 obtained a good testimony2. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.]

These verses can be described variously as the ‘Magna Carta’ of faith and the ‘Theme of Creation’. We need to carefully understand and meditate on the meaning of the original Greek words in these verses since they are ripe with the fruit of the doctrine of faith.

In verse 2 we see that it is by faith that believers of earlier times were able to proclaim God’s Word and thereby obtain His approval. And as we shall see in verse 6, it is ONLY by faith that we can please God. {And in 1 John 5:4-6 we learn that it is through faith that we overcome the world}.

In Ephesians 2:8,9 the Apostle Paul tells us

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast”.

And in Romans 5:1,2 he writes

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God”.

But what is “faith”? This is how Strong’s Concordance defines the word ‘faith’ [4102 pistis (pis'-tis)] “Persuasion”, i.e. credence; “moral conviction” (of spiritual truth or the truthfulness of God). The word is translated variously as assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.

The essence of this definition of faith is found in Romans 4:18-22, an aspect of faith that we will have further occasion to study in this chapter.

Since the object of faith is the character of God it is “NOT BLIND”. 1 elders [4245 presbuteros (pres-boo'-ter-os)] comparative of presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specifically, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian “presbyter”. A term of rank or age. 2 testimony/witness [3140 martureo (mar-too-reh'-o) ] from 3144; to be witness or to bear witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively). That is, to affirm what one has seen or heard or experienced personally, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration. Also, to utter honorable testimony, to give a good report, to implore. We get our English word “martyr” from this.



The word translated substance [5287 hupostasis (hoop-os'-tas-is)] in verse 1 means literally “to stand under” or ‘setting/placing under’. It is also used to refer to the quality or nature of a person or thing. We will see that it is the ‘stuff’ that faith expectantly hopes for.

This word is used in 2 Corinthians 9:4; 11:17 and Hebrews 3:14 where it is translated “confident” or “confidence”. In Hebrews 1:3 it is variously translated “person” {KJV, NKJ}; “nature” {NAS, RSV} and “being” {NIV}. Thus we see that faith is like an umbrella of confidence that we stand under. But what is the nature of this confidence? It is springs from things quietly and confidently hoped for, because knowing what is promised will be accomplished.

The word translated things [4229 pragma (prag'-mah)] means “a deed”; by implication, “a matter” or “an affair” and so by extension, “an object”. Specifically, in a forensic sense, “a matter at law”, “a case”, “a suit”. Thus, faith is the subject matter of things hoped for. Again, faith is not blind, it is not trust in the unknown but simply trust in the power and promise of God. Note that we get our English word ‘pragmatic’ from this.

The phrase translated hoped for [1679 elpizo (el-pid'-zo)] means things “to expect” or “to confide in”; therefore to have hope or trust for, looking to the future fulfillment of what was promised because of the character of the One who promises. This word is translated trust numerous times in the New Testament. Here it is referring to the LORD’s Holy character, His righteousness and faithfulness.

When a father tells a child that he will do something and that father is trustworthy, then the child will expectantly wait for and look for the fulfillment of the father’s word—no matter what appearances may seem. There will be no doubt but total trust. So it is with God our Father and His children. When we say we have faith, we are saying that we believe God and take Him at His Word – His promise and purpose will be accomplished in our lives.

Faith basically answers the question, “With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God?” The answer is found in Micah 6:6-8.

The word translated evidence [1650 elegchos (el'-eng-khos)] means “proof” [that by which a thing is proved or tested] or “conviction”. This word occurs only here in the New Testament.

The word seen [991 blepo (blep'-o)] is a primary verb and means “to look at”. So the evidence of things NOT seen carries with it both the meaning of things actually observed (literal) or things perceived (figurative). This word is also translated looked at, watched, beheld, examined. See the example of Noah’s faith in Hebrews 11:7.

The word translated understand [3539 noeo (no-eh'-o) or noieo (noy-eh'-o)] means “to exercise the mind” [perceive with the mind], that is, “to comprehend”, “to ponder”, “consider”, or “to think upon” with the idea of heeding.

The word translated framed [2675 katartizo (kat-ar-tid'-zo)] means “to complete thoroughly” and carries with it the idea of repair (literally or figuratively), outfit, put in order, equipped, prepared and arranged.

The word translated made [1096 ginomai (ghin'-om-ahee)] means “to cause to be” (“gen”- erate), or “to become” [come into being]. In Genesis 1 when God says, “Let there be ….” there was, it was created, fabricated and came into existence out of what did not exist previously, i.e., that which can not be looked upon.



The phrase things which are visible [5316 phaino (fah'-ee-no)] means things that are “lightened” or “illuminated” so that they are things exposed to view.

Note that the faith of many of the ‘elders’ or ‘ancient ones’ {v. 2} is described in verses 4-39 of this chapter. We shall see that in every case, the individual’s faith was based on the power and promise of God’s Word. It is significant that the verses that describe examples of faith are sandwiched between the reference to faithful elders in verse 2 and the great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 12:1 – they are basically the same:

“For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.”

[EXAMPLES OF FAITH: VV. 4-39]

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race

that is set before us…” These verses are like ‘bookends’, the former verse introducing the testimony of the elders,

and the latter, a reminder of the witness of the elders.

It is obvious that the writer of Hebrews intends to encourage and challenge believers of every time and place to remain faithful and persevere by remembering past examples of faith. May we indeed take heart in knowing we are not alone but others faced the same trials and sufferings we do and were victorious through them.

Verse 3 can be called “the theme of creation” for it reminds us that the worlds, literally ‘eons’, were fit together and thoroughly completed by the Word of God. In Hebrews 12:1,2 we are told that Jesus is both the Author and Finisher [Consummater] of our faith! Why? Because He is the incarnate Word of God, Creator of all things and Giver of Life {John 1:1-5, 14}.

Anticipating the theory of Quantum Mechanics3 we are told that the things which are seen were made from things which are not visible to the naked eye. We now know that matter is not just made up of atoms containing electrons, protons and neutrons. But apparently matter consists of an almost infinite variety of sub-atomic particles that continue to be discovered. It may ultimately turn out that all matter is made up of ‘concentrated’ electromagnetic energy – in other words, light!

Note that it is by faith, not science [lit. ‘knowledge’] as in 1 Timothy 6:20,21, that we understand that God created the universe, i.e., the worlds [eons = ages]. By comparing verse 3 with Hebrews 1:2 we see that “…..by whom [CHRIST] also He [GOD] made the worlds”.

In other words, we have here, in the opening statements of the Hall of Faith, a reaffirmation of both attributes of Jesus Christ that make Him worthy of all praise, honor, glory and worship. In verses 1, 2 we see that [1] the salvation our hope rests in and the testimony we obtain are by faith {the redemptive sacrifice of Christ} and [2] the universe was created by the Word of God {the creative power of Christ}. So Christ Jesus is the Author/Source of both4 creation and salvation!

In summary, another translation of verse1 is; “Now faith is the confident assurance of

things expectantly waited for, and the conviction/proof of things which cannot be looked at.”

3 This is the mathematical study of the structure and behavior of matter, energy and light. 4 These are the two reasons Jesus, the Lamb of God, is worshipped in Revelation chapters 4 and 5.



Definitions of faith and the doctrine of faith are important, but to really understand what faith is it must be observed in action! After having started with an excellent and concise definition of ‘faith’, the writer of Hebrews now gives specific examples of faith from the scriptures. And he is going to name names. What follows is the Hebrews Hall of Faith and we begin in the ‘beginning’ with Abel.

Verses 4, 5 Ø THE FAITH OF ABEL & ENOCH [4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.]

ABEL: Although Abel has long since been dead, the sacrifice he offered to God was more excellent sacrifice than Cain’s and still speaks to us about faith. The meaning here is that Abel’s sacrifice was superior and of better quality. Abel’s sacrifice provides a powerful and graphic witness to the fact that Abel was righteous because of his faith! To understand the full implication of this, we need to understand the differences between the sacrifices of Cain and Abel. The events related to the faith of Abel are recorded in Genesis 4:1-16.

Cain was a farmer and Abel a sheepherder. We see that both Cain and Abel brought the best of their respective fields as an offering to the LORD. Cain brought an offering of what grew from the ground, vegetables and fruit. Abel brought the first-born of his flock, a lamb.

After the LORD accepted Abel’s offering Cain was angry and the LORD gave Cain another chance to come with the right sacrifice. However, Cain5 did not accept the LORD’s offer to come with the right sacrifice. Cain would not ‘bow his knee to God’.

What were the differences in the offerings? Cain came with a prideful heart for Psalms 51:17 tells us that “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart-- these, O God, You will not despise.” Abel came by faith – God’s way because in Hebrews 11:6 we are told that “without faith it is impossible to please God”. Cain came without a blood sacrifice – Abel came with a blood sacrifice.

In Romans 10:17 we are told that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God”. What did Abel “hear” that Cain didn’t? Abel ‘heard’ that “without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin” {Hebrews 9:22}. But how could either of them have known it?

When Cain and Abel’s parents originally sinned in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve both ‘knew’ they were “naked” – exposed before God. No one, not even God had to tell them that – the sin-consciousness is built-in. They knew they needed a covering to hide from God so they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. Even AFTER they had covered themselves, they still were afraid of God and hid themselves among the trees in the garden. They had only covered the outside; the inside was just as naked and exposed as before. The problem today is that not only do people still try to cover-up with fig skins – they suppress the inner feelings and act as if nothing is wrong.

5 It is both interesting and ironic to note that in the modern Goth subculture, Cain’s name is changed to Kain and he becomes the ‘Goth prototype’. In Goth mythology, the ‘mark of Cain’ is considered the curse of being a vampire destined to roam the earth as a vile and pathetic creature feeding off the blood (life) of others. There is even a popular video game popularizing this called ‘Kain, Soul Reaver’.



Why was this? Because “the wages of sin is death” {Romans 6:23} and death means separation6 and loss of fellowship. The Bible tells us in Leviticus 17:11 that the “life of the flesh is in the blood”. In this way SIN represents death/separation and BLOOD represents life/union.

On the LORD’s scale of holiness and justice, sin/death sits on one side and a blood offering/life sits on the other. Therefore, the second part of Romans 6:23 goes on to say, “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. In Adam and Eve’s case the animal skins represented the gift of God and they could find rest for their troubled souls.

Thus, Adam and Eve’s covering represents self-effort or works since there was no blood involved. God provided Adam and Eve coats made from animal skins – animals whose blood was shed in the making of those coats. The animal coats represent God’s effort or grace and blood was involved. Thus, God was showing man that the way to acceptance and fellowship was through blood. This is the way that not only is the outside covered, but much more importantly, the inside, the soul is covered too! This is why Abel’s sacrifice was accepted but Cain’s was not.

ENOCH: The description of Enoch’s faith is found in Genesis 5:18-24 and he is spoken of again in Jude 1:15,16. Enoch walked with God. We need to walk with God and we do that through abiding or remaining in Jesus Christ {John 15:1-12} and walking in the Spirit {Galatians 5:16-26}.

By faith Enoch was translated to Heaven and did not die a natural death – his body could not be found although fifty men searched for it. Enoch becomes a type of the translated Church, believers who are alive when the resurrection of the saints occurs. Elijah {2 Kings 2:9-12} is another example of this. {See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18}.

Verses 6 Ø FAITH IS ESSENTIAL FOR RECEIVING APPROVAL FROM GOD [6 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.]

Here is a key spiritual principle that runs throughout the Bible – it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God without faith! Note that this is the same word for impossible used in Hebrews 6:4, 18.

The only way to please God and receive His blessing, and thus be accepted by Him, is by faith. This means to be fully persuaded that He is right {Holy & Just} and we are wrong {unholy & prideful}. When one does this it will literally lead to agreeing with God – or repentance. A perfect example of this is given by the Apostle Paul in Romans 4:18-25! Before a person can repent and be saved, they must believe God exists and is in fact who He claims to be – LORD and Savior {e.g., Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:3,11; 45:21,22; Hosea 13:4; Luke 1:47; 2:11; John 1:1-4, 12-14; 3:16,36; 10:28-30; 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 John 4:13-15; 5:11-13, 20; Jude 1:25; Revelation 1:11,17,18; 7:10-12}. God then gives that person the faith to know that He will reward those who diligently seek Him. Notice the example of Solomon in 1 Kings 3:3-15 {see also 2 Chronicles 1:4-12}.

6 Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body, spiritual death is the separation of man’s spirit from God’s Spirit.



It is significant to note that the Bible does not begin with an elaborate argument about the existence of God or an eloquent, philosophical discourse on why God exists. The Bible simply tells us that God does exist with the simple statement,

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1.

There are no elaborate arguments given in the Bible pro or con for God’s existence – it is a pre-established fact. Therefore one must simply BELIEVE “…that He is and is a rewarder of those that diligently seek after him”.

A person who claims to be an ‘atheist’ can usually be convinced that he/she is really an ‘agnostic’ by reminding them that no one knows exclusively and with perfect knowledge all the things in this universe7. In other words, let’s say one does not “find” evidence of the existence of God here on earth. But then how can one be sure that He doesn’t exist in some other part of the universe. And if one not sure then one just don’t know – that person must confess that they have incomplete knowledge and therefore must admit they are ‘agnostic’ or “without knowledge”. {See for example Acts 17:16-33; Romans 3:3,4}.

Since God “…has put eternity in their hearts” {Ecclesiastes 3:11} there are really no true atheists – a person either knows or doesn’t want to know so there is no excuse {Romans 1:16-25}.

C. S. Lewis wrote,

“...[When I was an atheist] my argument against God was that the universe seemed cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust? If the whole show was bad and senseless from A to Z, so to speak, why did I, who was supposed to be part of the show, find myself in such violent reaction against it? ... Thus in the very act of trying to prove that God did not exist — in other words, that the whole of reality was senseless — I found I was forced to assume that one part of reality — namely my idea of justice — was full of sense. Consequently atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning.”

So there are really only two kinds of people on earth: the ain’ts [unsaved – headed for destruction] and the Saints [saved – headed for glory], John 3:16-21. The Apostle John tells us that

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. – 1 John 5:11-13.

7 This issue raises an interesting question: Why do atheists proselytize? That is, why are they so concerned with “winning converts” and disclaiming the existence of God if they’re convinced He doesn’t exist? Why waste any portion of their limited resources and short span of days in forcing others to publicly adhere to their rejection of God, if death ends all? Is it to expand the hold of atheism on the public square? Is it because atheism offers ‘better’ solutions to people’s problems? Or is it simply to satisfy and justify their own self-centered and immoral lifestyle? Atheism is incoherent when entering the public arena this way. If God does not exist then there is no standard of morality that can be appealed to as holding a claim over all people. That is, there is no ‘ought to’ that distinguishes the new conditions they seek as better than the existing ones they consider bad. Thus, atheism implies the impossibility of ‘absolute truth’ and therefore denies a consistent standard of ‘justice’ — so that atheism results in nothing more than individual and cultural tyranny and bondage. In these terms atheism and Christianity are just alternative beliefs and both should be allowed to exist. The answer to this dilemma is found in Romans 3:3, 4.



This is what sets Judeo-Christian doctrine apart from all other religions and makes it superior to all other philosophical ideas. None of the other major religions, Buddhism, Hinduism or Islam, teach this – that a person is saved by faith and receives salvation as a gift! This distinction also sets the Christian apart [i.e., they are ‘sanctified’] from everything else in the world. It what causes the world, under the energizing power of Satan, to hate Jesus Christ. This is also why Jesus said that if a person loves Him {follows Him in obedience by keeping His commandments; John 14:15-21; 15:9-12} then they will be hated by the world {John 15:18-23}.

The name of ‘Jesus’ is the dividing name against all other spiritual systems for there is no other name under Heaven whereby a person must be saved {i.e., John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:3-6}. So, salvation is not through Buddha, Allah, Mohammed, or Confucius, but only Jesus Christ and Him alone!

Therefore, if one wants to please God, he/she MUST do it through and by faith – there is NO other way! It is by faith that we are saved, by faith preserved & kept and by faith that we endure sufferings. Cain's sacrifice did not please God because it was without faith ... there was no blood shed in the process and it came from the ground which was "cursed". Solomon's request for wisdom to lead such a great people ’pleased’ God because it was of faith! Note that God is a rewarder [lit. “one who pays out wages”] of those who “diligently seek” Him. The idea of the Greek word here [1567 ekzeteo (ek-zay-teh'-o)] means to search out, investigate, scrutinize, inquire of and crave after. This is how an Orthodox Jew was to worship the LORD – it’s the way in which we should worship Him also. In other words, this is an active, aggressive seeking after God as described in Psalms 1:1-6; 42:1,2 and Genesis 32:24-30 [35:9-15]. This is another way of saying that, “God blesses those who trust Him completely”. We will see the truth of this verse affirmed over and over again as we walk through the Hall of the Faithful. Verses 7 Ø THE FAITH OF NOAH [7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

NOAH: The events related to the faith of Noah is recorded in Genesis 6:8-22; 8:15-22; 9:1-17.

Noah was divinely warned about the flood and why it was coming {Genesis 6:5-7, 11-13, 17}. He was also promised a covenant of “salvation” for his entire family {Genesis 6:18; 9:8-17}. At that point he had a choice about what God had said {JUST LIKE WE DO}; either believe God or reject His Word. He had to either agree with God that the people were so evil that the only solution was to destroy them all or disagree with God and question His wisdom in doing this. Noah could have thought in his heart, “These people aren’t that bad, why is God doing this?”

But we have this testimony of Noah that he walked with God, was a just man and perfect in

his ways. This means that (1) he had an intimate relationship with God, (2) he was morally convinced that God was right, (3) he had integrity in his relationship with God and man. Basically, Noah was whole in body, soul and spirit [he had his head screwed on straight]. Like Abel before him, Noah obeyed and later worshipped God with the right sacrifice – a blood sacrifice {see Genesis 8:20, 21}.



Key to Noah’s Faith: Because Noah believed that God was not only capable of bringing a global flood but was actually going to do what He said because He was justified in doing so, he obeyed & acted with godly faith8. He followed God’s instructions, made the ark9 and in so doing was proclaiming to the world that God is right and the world is wrong! Noah’s faithfulness made him an inheritor of righteousness, i.e., salvation [spiritual and physical] and he and his immediate family were saved out of the destruction of the flood.

This is an illustration of what happens with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. For more often than not, when the head of the home comes to faith and so saved – so does the rest of the family. See for example John 4:46-53; Acts 10:1-4; 11:11-15; 16:13-15, 25-34; 18:1-8.

God reveals to Noah something about the sanctity of human life. The life of the flesh is in the blood [it brings oxygen to the cells and transports nutrients]. Blood represents life and as such is both an appropriate and acceptable commodity for the payment of sin (which is death) and it is sacred because that. {Refer to the verses 4, 5 discussion notes}.

Note that is God; not man, which originates the cause for capital punishment for both animals and man. Why? Because in killing a man created in God’s image the crime is actually against God’s own person.

Those today who would want to do away with the death penalty are actually disagreeing with God on this issue. “From the hand of every man's brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God he made man”.

With Noah God made a covenant that effects all of mankind! Never again would God send such a destructive flood to cover all the earth to destroy life and He assigns the rainbow as a symbol of this promise.

When a person confesses that Jesus is LORD and believes in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead they will be saved. The Apostle Paul refers to this as the “word of faith” that the Gospel proclaims {Romans 10:8-13}. In doing so, they proclaim to the world that God is right and it is wrong.

Our faith condemns the unbeliever for it shows them that their deeds are evil and rebellious {John 3:18-21}. The world becomes our ‘enemy’ and we become a ‘savor of death’ to it {1 John 2:15-17; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16; James 4:4-6}.

Like Noah, by our faith in God’s Word we expose and convict the world of its pagan beliefs, attitudes and lifestyles. We reaffirm that we are the heirs of righteousness and that future judgment is coming. {See for example John 16:7-11; Acts 10:39-43; 17:30, 31; Romans 2:12-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; 1 Peter 4:1-5; Jude 1:14, 15; Revelation 6:12-17}. 8 Genesis 6:22. Remember that before Noah’s time it had never even rained {Genesis 2:4-6; 7:4}! 9 It is interesting to note that in Genesis 6:14 the substance Noah coated the ark with to make it watertight, translated “pitch” or “tar”, is the same Hebrew word translated ‘ransom’ elsewhere in the Old Testament [kophar]. It is derived from a Hebrew word meaning “atonement” [kaphar].



Verses 8-12 Ø THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM & SARAH [8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude-- innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.]

ABRAHAM: The events related to the faith of Abraham are recorded in Genesis 12:1-9; 15:1-6, 18; 17:1-14.

Abraham was born in the city of Ur [about 2161 BC according to conservative Biblical chronology] located about 150 miles southeast of Babylon and therefore a native of Chaldea [ancient Babylonia]. He was a descendant in the ninth generation from Shem, the son of Noah, and his father's name was Terah {Genesis 11:27}.

Note that at first his name was ‘Abram’10, meaning “exalted father” and later, as part of the covenant God made with him, his name was changed to ‘Abraham’, meaning “father of a multitude” {in keeping with the earlier promise the LORD had made to him, Genesis 17:1-4}.

The LORD appeared to Abraham and told him to leave his country, his people and his father’s household. These were all things that made life comfortable for him. But “By faith Abraham obeyed…” and left the place he called ‘home’. Why?

Because he believed the LORD when He said, “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” {Genesis 12:2,3}. And again, “I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.” {Genesis 15:7}.

In Acts 7:2, 3 [part of Stephen’s sermon and defense of the Gospel] we learn that it was the “God of glory” that appeared to Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia11. Seeing and hearing the LORD and believing the promises enabled Abraham to leave the comfortable confines of Ur, a great center of ancient culture and economic and political power but also idolatry, for an unknown land. The LORD asks this also of us in the spiritual sense – to forsake the world and cling to Christ {see for example 2 Corinthians 6:14-18}.

Although the LORD had made Abraham great, he never forgot the promise the LORD made to him and was faithful by being content to dwell as a ‘foreigner’ in the land promised to him. He had his eyes fixed on spiritual and heavenly blessings and considered himself a stranger or pilgrim – just “passing through” this life {compare 1 Timothy 6:6-12}.

And God confirmed that Abraham would inherit the land promised {Genesis 15:7-17}. Also, carefully note that in spite of the objections and the ranting and raving of the Palestinians today, Israel has only part of the land promised to them12 {see Genesis 15:18-21 and Exodus 23:31}. 10 The name Abram-- Abu-ramu, "the exalted father"-- is found in early Babylonian contracts. 11 Note that Mesopotamia includes the regions known as Assyria, Babylonia and Persia. 12 The promised region of Israel actually stretches from the Euphrates River in Iraq to the Mediterranean Sea and Nile River/Red Sea in Egypt.



But Abraham never lived to see any of this, but believed it never the less. What he was looking for however was “… a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God”. In verse 16 we are told, “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” Abraham was content to dwell in the land with his son [Isaac] and grandson [Jacob] who were fellow heirs with him in the same promise of God. Namely, that the LORD would “…bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Abraham considered himself a foreigner in a land that was promised but not yet possessed. Why?

Because Abraham was not looking for earthly glory but heavenly, “….for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God”. See also Hebrews 11:14-16; 12:22; 13:14. In other words, New Jerusalem {Revelation 21:1-27}.

The Apostle Paul expounds upon the faith of Abraham and uses it as a powerful illustration of genuine faith that leads to salvation and intimacy with God our Father. See Romans 4:1-5; 13-25; Galatians 3:6-9. Abraham’s faith will again be alluded to in verses 17-19.

Note several spiritual lessons we learn from God’s dealing with Abraham:

1.) The grace of God is absolutely free, in taking an unbeliever and making them into a worshipper of God. {1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 2:1-7; Titus 3:3-7}.

2.) God, the Father, comes to us first before we come to him. {John 6:44; Romans 5:8}. 3.) In calling and converting sinners, God appears as a God of glory and works a glorious work in

the soul. {2 Corinthians 3:9-11}. 4.) God calls us not only to leave sin, but sinful company, and whatever is inconsistent with our love

for Him. {2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:1-12}. 5.) We are called, not only to set out well, but also to go on and finish as well. {1 Corinthians 9:24-

27; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Hebrews 10:35-39; 12:1-3; Revelation 3:7-11}. 6.) God will not have his people take up that rest anywhere short of spiritual blessing in heavenly

places. {Ephesians 1:3-6; Hebrews 4:9-16}. 7.) Abraham’s life in Canaan, living there being victorious in the land but having no claim or stake in

the land, is a picture of how we are to live in this world. In it but not of it! Like Abraham we can do this if we remind ourselves that this world is not our permanent home and it is passing away and the desire of it, but God’s blessings last forever. {1 John 2:15-17}.

Later in this chapter {vv. 17-19} we will see that Abraham's faith is also demonstrated in his obedience to offer up his son Isaac, the child of Promise, as a sacrifice to the LORD. SARAH: The events related to the faith of Sarah are recorded in Genesis 17:15-19; 18:1-15; 21:1-8.



Verses 13-16 Ø FAITH LOOKS FORWARD TO A ‘BETTER’ COUNTRY [13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.]

These early believers [Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah] put their faith in God’s power and intention of fulfilling His promises – they saw them in the future and were convinced that they would become a reality {see 1 Peter 1:10-16}. They had no longing or desire to return to their point of origin. They did not even think about it for then the temptation would have been to return. See the example of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness {Exodus 14:9-14; Numbers 14:1-4}.

As Christians we too are really ‘strangers’13 and ‘pilgrims’14 on this earth and we are to speak and act as we are. We are ‘just passing through’. We are to put our hope into a “heavenly homeland”. This attitude will cause us to put God’s kingdom and His righteousness first and so receive a good testimony. We seek a crown that does not fade away {1 Peter 1:3-5}. We are family members and fellow heirs in the household of God because we are part of “household of faith” {Galatians 6:10}.

It is so important for Christians to know both their heritage but also their future – the return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, needs to be consistently taught and preached. Political candidates are not the blessed hope, or the educational system, or science, or technological advances. The Church is not even the ‘Blessed Hope’; the programs in it are not and neither are the training seminars. Even evangelistic crusades or revival meetings are not the blessed hope. The blessed hope is our being re-united with Jesus Christ in the resurrection and being with Him forever! See Hebrews 6:11-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:19-23; Titus 2:11-15; 1 John 3:1-3.

This passage has a tremendous spiritual application. For Abraham to have returned to Ur would be equivalent to a Christian going back to a life characterized by sin, pride, self-deception and rebellion against God’s Word. As believers we are to remain faithful to God’s call on our life! Verses 17-19 Ø THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM …. CONTINUED [17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.] ABRAHAM: These events related to the faith of Abraham are recorded in Genesis 15:4; 21:11, 12; 22:1-14:

Commentary on Abraham: Galatians 4:19-31. 13 strangers [3581 xenos (xen'-os)] apparently a primary word; literally ‘strange’, an ‘alien’, i.e., a foreigner implying one who is a stranger to the land, one abnormally present. 14 pilgrims [3927 parepidemos (par-ep-id'-ay-mos)] lit. ‘an alien alongside’, i.e. a resident foreigner. Refers to one who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives.



Verses 20 Ø THE FAITH OF ISAAC [20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.] ISAAC: These events related to the faith of Isaac are recorded in Genesis 27:26-40.

Note something very interesting about this blessing. Even though Isaac knew that his son, Jacob, had deceived him {Genesis 27:35} he let the blessing stand – this is truly amazing! Why didn’t Isaac try to correct the ‘mistake’ after realizing it? FIRST, observe that this verse tells us that Isaac blessed both Jacob and Esau by faith. That means Isaac pleased God. SECOND, Isaac knew that this blessing was something of great significance and not something to be trifled with – it was a solemn oath handed down from the LORD to Abraham. THIRD, in Genesis 27:33 we see that Isaac recognized that God had allowed this and therefore it was in accordance with His Will15. FINALLY, note that the LORD had already prophesied that the ‘elder’, Esau, would serve the ‘younger’, Jacob, in Genesis 25:21-23! Isaac probably remembered this and realized that, despite the circumstances, the order of blessing after all was the LORD’s choice. There could be only one Messianic blessing and it had been given to Jacob. Isaac accepted this all by faith.

Likewise, we need to recognize that sometimes our best expectations are ruined by others or circumstances outside of our control. How many times has something “bad” happened to us and we have no explanation for it? We say to ourselves, “Why did that happen to me?” or “I didn’t deserve that!” I’m not talking about things that happen to us because of wrong choices, stupidity or because of a prideful and arrogant attitude. But if we’re desiring to live godly lives, in the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, and bad things still happen we need to assess each situation and circumstance from God’s viewpoint. We should be asking questions like, “LORD, what are you trying to accomplish or show me through this situation? What is it you want me to learn from this?”

We need to recognize that (1) God may be testing us so that we might mature spiritually, (2) God may be teaching us not to depend on circumstances but to grow in grace and knowledge that we might be more faithful and (3) to demonstrate to us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” {Romans 8:28}.

If we’re walking by faith as Isaac did, then we must remember that God already knew what would happen [‘good’ or ‘bad’] and we are to remain faithful to Him. We are to remember that God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise {1 Corinthians 1:26-31}. Verses 21 Ø THE FAITH OF JACOB [21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.] 15 A question could be asked: “Since God allowed this, did God approve of this method and did Jacob get away with this deception?” The answer of course is a resounding “NO!”. Jacob later reaped just what he had sowed and was fooled later by his uncle Laban {e.g. Genesis 29:15-27}. Nevertheless, it was God’s will that the ‘elder’ serve the ‘younger’ {Genesis 25:21-23}. This illustrates a couple of spiritual principals: That God’s purposes are sometimes interfered with but His purposes are never thwarted; and although God works through human circumstances that are oftentimes out of our control, He still holds each one accountable for their individual actions and the penalties for sin remain.



JACOB [ISRAEL]: These events related to the faith of Jacob are recorded in Genesis 47:31; 48:8-22.

Jacob’s faith and worship of God is also illustrated in Genesis 28:10-22. In contrast, note that Jacob’s brother, Esau, is described as a “man of the flesh” in Hebrews 12:15-17. Further description of the contrast between Jacob and Esau is given in Malachi 1:2-5. Galatians 5:16-26 generally describes these two kinds of attitudes: spirit versus the flesh and God’s grace versus God’s wrath. Verses 22 Ø THE FAITH OF JOSEPH [22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.]

JOSEPH: These events related to the faith of Joseph are recorded in Genesis 50:22-26. Verses 23 Ø THE FAITH OF MOSES’ PARENTS [23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command.]

PARENTS OF MOSES: These events related to the faith of Moses’ parents are recorded in Exodus 1:15-22; 2:1-3. Verses 24-29 Ø THE FAITH OF MOSES 24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.]

MOSES: These events related to the faith of Moses are recorded in Exodus 2:11-15; 12:1-13; 14:13-31.

Moses forsook Egypt, symbolic of the world system, did not fear the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. In other words Moses feared God more than he feared man because he believed the God whom he could not see directly. See Matthew 10:26-31; Luke 12:1-12, John 20:24-29 and Acts 4:18-20. Verses 30 Ø THE FAITH OF JOSHUA & OTHER ISRAELITES [30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.] JOSHUA & THE ISRAELITES: These events related to the faith of Joshua & the Israelites are recorded in Joshua 6:1-20.



Verses 31 Ø THE FAITH OF RAHAB [31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.]

RAHAB: These events related to the faith of Rahab are recorded in Joshua 2:1-21; 6:22, 23.

And Rahab in the line of the Messiah! See Ruth 4:21, 22; Matthew 1:5, 6; Luke 3:31, 32.

Verses 32-38 Ø THE FAITH OF GIDEON, BARAK, SAMSON, JEPHTHAH, DAVID, SAMUEL & PROPHETS [32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again. And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.]

The writer is overwhelmed with the examples of faith found everywhere in the scriptures and is seems as if he is almost ‘running out of breath” continuing to name them. He moves to four of the ‘judges’ in Israel {Judges 4:6-24; 6:11; 7:1-15; 11:1-29; 12:1-7; 13:24-16:31}, then to king David {1 Samuel 16-17} and on to Samuel {1 Samuel 7:9-14} and the other prophets whom are mentioned in relation to what they suffered {e.g., Daniel 6:16-28}.

Commentary on David: Romans 4:6-8.

Also note that from the world’s viewpoint some of those listed as examples of faith would be considered ‘successful’ – and others considered ‘failures’. That is, some were victorious and overcame their obstacles or enemies [….subdued kingdoms, …stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens, women received their dead raised to life again] while others succumbed to their enemies and were even killed for their testimony […others were tortured, not accepting deliverance,… others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment, they were stoned, they were sawn in two, … were slain with the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, … they wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth].

But note that ALL were faithful and pleased God and in the end remained firmly convinced of the truth of their testimony [worked righteousness, obtained promises, … that they might obtain a better resurrection, … were tempted, … of whom the world was not worthy].

The scriptures command us to give ‘glory to God’. This basically means that we “make God look good” – we validate God’s character by what we believe, do and say. That is what a faithful life does – gives honor and glory to the LORD!

Observe that faith is not based on circumstances or the outcome of one’s testimony. Faith is based on the power and promises of the LORD God Almighty!



Verses 39, 40 Ø A GOOD TESTIMONY OF FAITH DEMANDS PERSEVERANCE TO THE END [39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.]

The writer now summarizes the statement that began this chapter in verses 2: “For by it [FAITH] the elders obtained a good testimony”.

All the individuals that are mentioned in this chapter obtained a good testimony because of their faith in God’s power to deliver and save. But the promise of the Messiah {the Promise} was not realized in their lifetime {i.e., Hebrews 1:1-3}.

However, the promised Savior eventually came and became the once and for all blood-sacrifice for sins {Galatians 4:4, 5} so that both Jewish and Gentile believers are made complete together {see e.g., Ephesians 2:11-22; 3:1-6} in Christ. This was all to happen in the ‘latter days’ which began with the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for our justification {see Hebrews 1:2}.

The essence of faith is to believe and receive what God has ALREADY revealed and/or promised in His Word because He is all-powerful and sovereign – He will accomplish that what He has said! We are to persevere and not give up the good fight of faith. Refer to Hebrews 10:36 and Galatians 6:7-9.

From verse 1 we see that “Now faith is the confident assurance of things expectantly waited for, and the conviction/proof of things which cannot be looked at.” In this chapter the writer of the book of Hebrews has given us portraits or snapshots of faith. This entire chapter ties back in with truth of Hebrews 10:38,39, which initiated this wonderful study on what faith is. Chapters 10 and 11 can be summarized with the following two essential and fundamental spiritual truths:

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. – Hebrews 11:6.

“Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. – Hebrews 10:38,39.

Bibliography

(1) New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright © 1988.

(2) Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament, Cook Communications Ministries; Copyright © 1983, 2000.

(3) Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Copyright © 1986. (4) Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

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