Hebrews 11: The Hall of Faith
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Context: The Foundation of Faith in Hebrews
Up to this point, the book of Hebrews has meticulously presented evidence that Jesus Christ and the new covenant He established represent God's ultimate plan for humanity's salvation. Chapter 10 served as a crucial warning against turning away from this profound truth. Now, Hebrews 11 opens by illuminating the very essence of "faith," primarily through the inspiring examples of Old Testament figures who embodied it. The goal? To motivate us to "hold fast" to the gospel, even amidst life's inevitable hardships. This encouragement becomes a central theme carried forward into chapter 12.
What is Faith?
Hebrews 11 delves into the practical application of the truths presented earlier in the book. Chapter 10 concluded with both a warning and an encouragement, specifically directed towards "those who have faith," in contrast to "those who shrink back" (Hebrews 10:39). Here, the writer provides a direct definition of faith, supported by numerous examples to ensure clarity.
Biblical faith isn't blind or irrational. The book of Hebrews dedicates a substantial portion of its content to explaining the reasons and evidence for embracing the new covenant in Jesus Christ. Nor is faith simply wishful thinking. Instead, godly faith is characterized by trust. This trust is rooted in what we know about God, and it extends to relying on Him for the things we don't yet understand. In particular, godly faith looks forward with an eternal perspective, leading to obedience even when faced with adversity. God takes what we cannot see or comprehend and uses it to fulfill His promises. Because faith relies on our past experiences with God and trusts Him for the future, it becomes "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). In essence, faith is acting like God is telling the truth. If you want to increase your faith, grow in your understanding of God.
God's Creation Through Faith
A clear example of something Christians accept by faith is God’s creation of the universe. We believe that what is seen was made from things that are not visible by a being who is not visible. We trust that the word of God created everything, in all its vastness and complexity. That should encourage us that God may be doing extraordinary things in our lives for our good even when we can’t see what he’s doing.
The Hall of Faith: Examples of Believers
The majority of the chapter is dedicated to providing scriptural examples that illustrate this definition of faith. A recurring pattern emerges: these individuals knew enough about God to trust Him, and as a result, they obeyed, even in the face of doubts or challenges. In some cases, this meant trusting that God's promises would ultimately be fulfilled in eternity, not necessarily within their own lifetimes. The author uses a repeated structure: he gives the name of an Old Testament believer, explains what he or she did, and uses the expression “by faith” to connect that person’s actions with a belief system. This pattern is a reminder that faith is measured by the steps of one’s feet—not by his feelings. Many faith-based decisions, in fact, go against feelings. We must, therefore, walk by faith in the integrity of God’s Word rather than by gut instinct or emotionalism. Feelings are the caboose; they don’t get to drive the train.
- Abel (Hebrews 11:4): By faith Abel worshiped God based on God’s standards and expectations: he offered shed blood as a sacrifice rather than just giving him something his own hands had produced. He offered God his best and was approved as a righteous man. In fact, even though he is dead—murdered by his brother—Abel’s faith still speaks. It teaches us that access to God’s presence is through the blood. That’s the kind of legacy you want to leave. You want your life of faith to be a testimony to others, to point them to the truth.
- Enoch (Hebrews 11:5-6): Enoch is one of only two people who did not experience death (Elijah is the other; see 2 Kings 2:1-12). Why? Hebrews says it’s because he pleased God (Hebrews 11:5). That doesn’t mean, of course, that if you’re pleasing God you won’t die! But it does mean that his departure from the world was a direct result of how he lived. He lived a godly life within the context of an evil and corrupt society. What he did mattered. Do you want to live in a way that pleases God? Then you must know that without faith it is impossible to please God. You must believe that he exists and rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6). You must operate by faith, even if you must do so alone and go against the accepted norms of the day. You must believe with expectation that God responds—regarding his will for your life—when you seek to please him.
- Noah (Hebrews 11:7): Though Noah was warned about what was not yet seen, he was motivated by godly fear. He couldn’t even conceive of the flood God was going to bring on the earth. Nevertheless, Noah took God seriously and acted on what he said. Just consider the obstacles he faced: There was a 120-year gap between God’s command to build the ark and the flood; Noah was instructed to build a tremendously huge boat on dry land; everyone who saw it no doubt called him crazy. But Noah believed God and obeyed, even though what he’d been asked to do didn’t make sense since it had never rained a drop at that point in history. He thus became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Be prepared to answer this wisely: When God’s Word says something contrary to popular opinion, whom are you going to believe?
- Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-10, 17-19): Abraham made a pilgrimage of faith. God called; he obeyed. That sounds simple until you realize that Abraham did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). How did he do it? And how did he live as a foreigner in the land of promise without ever owning it? (Hebrews 11:9). The answer is that he had his heart set on another city—one whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10). He focused on the spiritual while looking for the physical. Often in life, you won’t know where God is taking you. And if you overlook the spiritual, you will become discouraged. God is the architect of the eternal city, and he’s the architect of the opportunities in your life. After years of waiting, Abraham received his son Isaac. Thus, the promise was fulfilled and the testing began. God told him to sacrifice Isaac—the very son through whom Abraham was to become the father of a nation (Hebrews 11:17-18). Make no mistake. In one way or another, God will test how much you love him. Do you love the gift or the Giver more? So, how did Abraham cope when it seemed like God’s command contradicted his promise? He considered that God was able to raise the dead (Hebrews 11:19). And why would he think that? Because Sarah was barren (Hebrews 11:11), and Abraham was “as good as dead” (Hebrews 11:12); nevertheless, it is God who gives life, and he had a promise to keep. Don’t forget what God did for you yesterday. The situation you face may be different than anything you’ve experienced before, but God is the same. The receiving back of Isaac is an illustration of the same type of divine intervention that God’s people can expect today if they live by faith.
- Sarah (Hebrews 11:11-12): Sarah is an example of the power of God in a person’s life. She was unable to have children, and Abraham was as good as dead in terms of ability to procreate. In fact, Hebrews only gives us the conclusion to the couple’s infertility story. When God promised her a child, Sarah laughed (Genesis 18:11-12). She thought it was a joke. Eventually, though, she had faith that the one who had promised was faithful (Hebrews 11:11). It took twenty-five years to get from promise to baby. Oftentimes God doesn’t complete what he wants to do in your life until you’re spiritually prepared.
- Patriarchs (Hebrews 11:13-16, 20-22): At this point, the author pauses before continuing. He points out that all these believers died in faith, although they had not received all the things that were promised (Hebrews 11:13). They walked by faith, but God didn’t plan to deliver the promise while they were on earth. Though they could have turned around and given up (Hebrews 11:15), they were seeking a homeland (Hebrews 11:14); they desired a better place—a heavenly one (Hebrews 11:16). Their approach to life, then, was based on an eternal perspective, a kingdom perspective. When you know the one who’s preparing a better city for you, you can survive the wait. And when that’s your mindset, God is not ashamed to be called [your] God (Hebrews 11:16). These verses illustrate a legacy of faith. By faith Isaac blessed his sons concerning things to come (Hebrews 11:20). By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed his grandsons while he worshiped (Hebrews 11:21). By faith Joseph, near the end of his life, told the Israelites to bury his bones in the promised land when they got there. If you’re a parent, you’re going to pass on many things to your kids. Make sure that you pass them the baton of faith in God above all else. Let them pray with you about things you’re trusting God for so they can see your faith in action.
- Moses (Hebrews 11:23-29): Here we see a summary of Moses’s life: eighty years are covered in seven verses. His parents valued God instead of the evil culture and refused to let their baby be killed (Hebrews 11:23). When he grew up, Moses himself chose God over the surrounding culture. He opted to suffer with the people of God rather than to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter (Hebrews 11:24-25). By faith he left Egypt . . . instituted the Passover, and crossed the Red Sea (Hebrews 11:27-29). Why? Because he was looking ahead to the reward. He considered suffering reproach for the sake of Christ to be greater wealth than Egypt’s riches (Hebrews 11:26). Don’t miss that Moses chose Christ in the Old Testament era! Though it doesn’t always appear to be true on the front end, choosing Christ is never a losing deal.
- Rahab (Hebrews 11:30-31): The walls of Jericho fell as a result of the most bizarre military strategy enacted in history (Hebrews 11:30). And as a result of her willingness to align with God’s people, Rahab the prostitute—the lowest of the low—got recognized alongside Abraham and Moses as a hero in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11:31). How can these things be? Simple. God tells us, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8).
Triumph and Tribulation: The Reality of Faith
The writer then launches into an inspiring passage, reminding readers of Old Testament heroes – judges, prophets, David – who accomplished amazing feats through faith (Hebrews 11:32-35). But he also acknowledges the hardships they endured: persecution, torture, even death (Hebrews 11:36-38). Some conquered; others perished. All lived by faith in God (Hebrews 11:32-37). When faith is inaugurated in your life and you keep on going, your circumstances don’t have the final word. The world was not worthy of them (Hebrews 11:38), but they were approved through their faith (Hebrews 11:39). Did you catch that? The world didn’t deserve them, but God applauded them. Whose approval are you seeking? You can’t please both the world and God.
A Shared Hope
These heroes of faith are still awaiting the full promise of God's word. Why? To allow those still living the opportunity to share in that same reward (Hebrews 11:39-40). God provided something better for us New Testament believers so that we can all be made perfect (Hebrews 11:40). Salvation in Christ is the culmination of God’s plan of redemption for eternity and deliverance in history. This theme flows directly into the opening words of chapter 12, urging readers to "hold fast" despite hardship, mirroring Christ's own obedience in enduring suffering for the sake of the eternal reward (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Context: The Foundation of Faith in Hebrews
Up to this point, the book of Hebrews has meticulously presented evidence that Jesus Christ and the new covenant He established represent God's ultimate plan for humanity's salvation. Chapter 10 served as a crucial warning against turning away from this profound truth. Now, Hebrews 11 opens by illuminating the very essence of "faith," primarily through the inspiring examples of Old Testament figures who embodied it. The goal? To motivate us to "hold fast" to the gospel, even amidst life's inevitable hardships. This encouragement becomes a central theme carried forward into chapter 12.
What is Faith?
Hebrews 11 delves into the practical application of the truths presented earlier in the book. Chapter 10 concluded with both a warning and an encouragement, specifically directed towards "those who have faith," in contrast to "those who shrink back" (Hebrews 10:39). Here, the writer provides a direct definition of faith, supported by numerous examples to ensure clarity.
Biblical faith isn't blind or irrational. The book of Hebrews dedicates a substantial portion of its content to explaining the reasons and evidence for embracing the new covenant in Jesus Christ. Nor is faith simply wishful thinking. Instead, godly faith is characterized by trust. This trust is rooted in what we know about God, and it extends to relying on Him for the things we don't yet understand. In particular, godly faith looks forward with an eternal perspective, leading to obedience even when faced with adversity. God takes what we cannot see or comprehend and uses it to fulfill His promises. Because faith relies on our past experiences with God and trusts Him for the future, it becomes "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). In essence, faith is acting like God is telling the truth. If you want to increase your faith, grow in your understanding of God.
God's Creation Through Faith
A clear example of something Christians accept by faith is God’s creation of the universe. We believe that what is seen was made from things that are not visible by a being who is not visible. We trust that the word of God created everything, in all its vastness and complexity. That should encourage us that God may be doing extraordinary things in our lives for our good even when we can’t see what he’s doing.
The Hall of Faith: Examples of Believers
The majority of the chapter is dedicated to providing scriptural examples that illustrate this definition of faith. A recurring pattern emerges: these individuals knew enough about God to trust Him, and as a result, they obeyed, even in the face of doubts or challenges. In some cases, this meant trusting that God's promises would ultimately be fulfilled in eternity, not necessarily within their own lifetimes. The author uses a repeated structure: he gives the name of an Old Testament believer, explains what he or she did, and uses the expression “by faith” to connect that person’s actions with a belief system. This pattern is a reminder that faith is measured by the steps of one’s feet—not by his feelings. Many faith-based decisions, in fact, go against feelings. We must, therefore, walk by faith in the integrity of God’s Word rather than by gut instinct or emotionalism. Feelings are the caboose; they don’t get to drive the train.
- Abel (Hebrews 11:4): By faith Abel worshiped God based on God’s standards and expectations: he offered shed blood as a sacrifice rather than just giving him something his own hands had produced. He offered God his best and was approved as a righteous man. In fact, even though he is dead—murdered by his brother—Abel’s faith still speaks. It teaches us that access to God’s presence is through the blood. That’s the kind of legacy you want to leave. You want your life of faith to be a testimony to others, to point them to the truth.
- Enoch (Hebrews 11:5-6): Enoch is one of only two people who did not experience death (Elijah is the other; see 2 Kings 2:1-12). Why? Hebrews says it’s because he pleased God (Hebrews 11:5). That doesn’t mean, of course, that if you’re pleasing God you won’t die! But it does mean that his departure from the world was a direct result of how he lived. He lived a godly life within the context of an evil and corrupt society. What he did mattered. Do you want to live in a way that pleases God? Then you must know that without faith it is impossible to please God. You must believe that he exists and rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6). You must operate by faith, even if you must do so alone and go against the accepted norms of the day. You must believe with expectation that God responds—regarding his will for your life—when you seek to please him.
- Noah (Hebrews 11:7): Though Noah was warned about what was not yet seen, he was motivated by godly fear. He couldn’t even conceive of the flood God was going to bring on the earth. Nevertheless, Noah took God seriously and acted on what he said. Just consider the obstacles he faced: There was a 120-year gap between God’s command to build the ark and the flood; Noah was instructed to build a tremendously huge boat on dry land; everyone who saw it no doubt called him crazy. But Noah believed God and obeyed, even though what he’d been asked to do didn’t make sense since it had never rained a drop at that point in history. He thus became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Be prepared to answer this wisely: When God’s Word says something contrary to popular opinion, whom are you going to believe?
- Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-10, 17-19): Abraham made a pilgrimage of faith. God called; he obeyed. That sounds simple until you realize that Abraham did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). How did he do it? And how did he live as a foreigner in the land of promise without ever owning it? (Hebrews 11:9). The answer is that he had his heart set on another city—one whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10). He focused on the spiritual while looking for the physical. Often in life, you won’t know where God is taking you. And if you overlook the spiritual, you will become discouraged. God is the architect of the eternal city, and he’s the architect of the opportunities in your life. After years of waiting, Abraham received his son Isaac. Thus, the promise was fulfilled and the testing began. God told him to sacrifice Isaac—the very son through whom Abraham was to become the father of a nation (Hebrews 11:17-18). Make no mistake. In one way or another, God will test how much you love him. Do you love the gift or the Giver more? So, how did Abraham cope when it seemed like God’s command contradicted his promise? He considered that God was able to raise the dead (Hebrews 11:19). And why would he think that? Because Sarah was barren (Hebrews 11:11), and Abraham was “as good as dead” (Hebrews 11:12); nevertheless, it is God who gives life, and he had a promise to keep. Don’t forget what God did for you yesterday. The situation you face may be different than anything you’ve experienced before, but God is the same. The receiving back of Isaac is an illustration of the same type of divine intervention that God’s people can expect today if they live by faith.
- Sarah (Hebrews 11:11-12): Sarah is an example of the power of God in a person’s life. She was unable to have children, and Abraham was as good as dead in terms of ability to procreate. In fact, Hebrews only gives us the conclusion to the couple’s infertility story. When God promised her a child, Sarah laughed (Genesis 18:11-12). She thought it was a joke. Eventually, though, she had faith that the one who had promised was faithful (Hebrews 11:11). It took twenty-five years to get from promise to baby. Oftentimes God doesn’t complete what he wants to do in your life until you’re spiritually prepared.
- Patriarchs (Hebrews 11:13-16, 20-22): At this point, the author pauses before continuing. He points out that all these believers died in faith, although they had not received all the things that were promised (Hebrews 11:13). They walked by faith, but God didn’t plan to deliver the promise while they were on earth. Though they could have turned around and given up (Hebrews 11:15), they were seeking a homeland (Hebrews 11:14); they desired a better place—a heavenly one (Hebrews 11:16). Their approach to life, then, was based on an eternal perspective, a kingdom perspective. When you know the one who’s preparing a better city for you, you can survive the wait. And when that’s your mindset, God is not ashamed to be called [your] God (Hebrews 11:16). These verses illustrate a legacy of faith. By faith Isaac blessed his sons concerning things to come (Hebrews 11:20). By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed his grandsons while he worshiped (Hebrews 11:21). By faith Joseph, near the end of his life, told the Israelites to bury his bones in the promised land when they got there. If you’re a parent, you’re going to pass on many things to your kids. Make sure that you pass them the baton of faith in God above all else. Let them pray with you about things you’re trusting God for so they can see your faith in action.
- Moses (Hebrews 11:23-29): Here we see a summary of Moses’s life: eighty years are covered in seven verses. His parents valued God instead of the evil culture and refused to let their baby be killed (Hebrews 11:23). When he grew up, Moses himself chose God over the surrounding culture. He opted to suffer with the people of God rather than to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter (Hebrews 11:24-25). By faith he left Egypt . . . instituted the Passover, and crossed the Red Sea (Hebrews 11:27-29). Why? Because he was looking ahead to the reward. He considered suffering reproach for the sake of Christ to be greater wealth than Egypt’s riches (Hebrews 11:26). Don’t miss that Moses chose Christ in the Old Testament era! Though it doesn’t always appear to be true on the front end, choosing Christ is never a losing deal.
- Rahab (Hebrews 11:30-31): The walls of Jericho fell as a result of the most bizarre military strategy enacted in history (Hebrews 11:30). And as a result of her willingness to align with God’s people, Rahab the prostitute—the lowest of the low—got recognized alongside Abraham and Moses as a hero in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11:31). How can these things be? Simple. God tells us, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8).
Triumph and Tribulation: The Reality of Faith
The writer then launches into an inspiring passage, reminding readers of Old Testament heroes – judges, prophets, David – who accomplished amazing feats through faith (Hebrews 11:32-35). But he also acknowledges the hardships they endured: persecution, torture, even death (Hebrews 11:36-38). Some conquered; others perished. All lived by faith in God (Hebrews 11:32-37). When faith is inaugurated in your life and you keep on going, your circumstances don’t have the final word. The world was not worthy of them (Hebrews 11:38), but they were approved through their faith (Hebrews 11:39). Did you catch that? The world didn’t deserve them, but God applauded them. Whose approval are you seeking? You can’t please both the world and God.
A Shared Hope
These heroes of faith are still awaiting the full promise of God's word. Why? To allow those still living the opportunity to share in that same reward (Hebrews 11:39-40). God provided something better for us New Testament believers so that we can all be made perfect (Hebrews 11:40). Salvation in Christ is the culmination of God’s plan of redemption for eternity and deliverance in history. This theme flows directly into the opening words of chapter 12, urging readers to "hold fast" despite hardship, mirroring Christ's own obedience in enduring suffering for the sake of the eternal reward (Hebrews 12:1-2).