Heb. 11:1-16, The Hall of Faith (1)

This chapter displays some important truths.  First, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:14-26).  We will see that each testimony is a record of what someone did that displayed their faith.  They were not saved by their works but faith was made evident by their works.  Second, faith is not a “leap in the dark.”  That is the view many people have today, but it is false.  What these giants of faith did was hear the word of God and then live according to it.  God shone the light through what He had spoken (Heb. 1:1-3); the elders believed God’s word and ordered their lives accordingly.  We are never “taking a chance” when we obey God’s word.  This is the point of 11:3, that all things were made by “the word of God.”  God spoke and everything came into existence.  This set the stage for all to come, that God’s spoken word was to be believed (Heb. 1:1-3).

Now, let us make a few comments on this great chapter.

·       11:4: God’s word to Abel was to say “thank you” through a blood sacrifice, using a lamb.  Abel did that.  Cain got offended at God and did not obey.

·       11:5: How do we know Enoch pleased God?  It might come from the word “took” (Gen. 5:21-24) which is the term for taking a wife.  The emphasis on Enoch’s “disappearance” was not on death but on God’s pleasure to have continued fellowship with him. 

This is significant because God created Adam for His own pleasure, to dwell with him.  Heb. 11:6 is important, therefore.  It should be our desire to please God; that fulfills our created purpose.  It can only happen through a relationship of faith.

·       11:7: Noah was told by God to build an ark, on dry land, far from any ocean.  He trusted God and obeyed His word.  Again, this was not a leap in the dark. 

·       11:8-10: God promised to give Abraham a land he had never seen.  In faith, Abraham left his home and went to that land, dwelling in temporary dwellings while he waited in hope for an eternal city.

·       11:11-12: When Abraham was very old, God promised him a son.  Sarah was faithful in bearing that son, Isaac.  Go back and read the story in Gen. 17:19 and 18:11-14.  Sarah’s faith was a struggle, as was Abraham’s. 

Heb. 11:13-16 is an important pause for reflection.  These people did not receive the promise.  They all died without receiving any land or the promised Savior.  Yet, they were assured.  They embraced the promise.  They confessed (agreed) that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth.  Even though they did not receive the earthly promise, they counted on God to provide them with a Savior from sin so they could dwell with Him.  What an important truth for Hebrew believers who are about to lose their earthly comfort!  What an important truth for people like us who live in an uncertain world.  How we need to embrace God’s promise of eternal life.