Faith's Hope
Hebrews 11, verse 1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11, verse 2. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. Hebrews 11, verse 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.
Faith from Creation to the Flood
Hebrews 11, verse 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. Hebrews 11, verse 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. Hebrews 11, verse 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. Hebrews 11, verse 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.
Faith from Abraham to Joseph
Hebrews 11, verse 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. Hebrews 11, verse 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; Hebrews 11, verse 10. for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 11, verse 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. Hebrews 11, verse 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. Hebrews 11, verse 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. Hebrews 11, verse 14. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. Hebrews 11, verse 15. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. Hebrews 11, verse 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. Hebrews 11, verse 17. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Hebrews 11, verse 18. of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” Hebrews 11, verse 19. concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. Hebrews 11, verse 20. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. Hebrews 11, verse 21. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. Hebrews 11, verse 22. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.
Faith from Moses to Joshua
Hebrews 11, verse 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. Hebrews 11, verse 24. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, Hebrews 11, verse 25. choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, Hebrews 11, verse 26. esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. Hebrews 11, verse 27. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. Hebrews 11, verse 28. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. Hebrews 11, verse 29. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned. Hebrews 11, verse 30. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. Hebrews 11, verse 31. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
Faith of Other Israelites
Hebrews 11, verse 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: Hebrews 11, verse 33. who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Hebrews 11, verse 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. Hebrews 11, verse 35. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Hebrews 11, verse 36. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. Hebrews 11, verse 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— Hebrews 11, verse 38. of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
Faith's Perfection
Hebrews 11, verse 39. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, Hebrews 11, verse 40. God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.