Around the world there are various Halls of Fame. Some are officially titled a hall of fame, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and various sports Halls of Fame. Then there are places where many very famous people from all different backgrounds are buried, such as Westminster Abbey. Although a grand church, since so many famous people are buried there, it is like a hall of fame. Here in the 11th chapter of Hebrews we find what has often been called “Faith’s Hall of Fame”. Here we find listed many of the great people of faith whose accounts are recorded in the Old Testament. The first several verses of this great chapter describe what faith and hope are, as an encouragement for us to grow in these virtues. Let’s see what our Scripture has to say.
As chapter 11 begins, we read that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (vs. 1). When we have faith, we have confidence in things that we have not yet experienced or seen, but believe based on God’s promises. Faith has full trust in God and His Word. It is not merely intellectual assent, but a spiritual conviction rooted in God’s Word. When you have faith, you have the assurance that what God has said will come to pass. It is not blind, but is based on the reliability of God’s Word.
The word “hope” in the New Testament does not mean wishing for something, as it is often used in a secular context. It is the Greek word “elpis”, which is expectation, trust, or confidence. Whatever trials and tribulations we are asked to endure, we have hope or trust that if not in this life, then in the next we will be better off. We hope or trust that God’s promises are sure and that He is with us through all things. Biblical hope is a certainty that our ultimate future rests in God’s capable, loving hands. It is an assurance that the invisible God is faithful and has a good plan in my visible life. Our testimony before others is strengthened by having unwavering faith and hope in God’s promises, just as these Old Testament believers listed in this chapter were (vs. 2).
The author of Hebrews next lists three examples of faith before he goes into the whole “hall of faith”. The first is having faith in Creation (vs. 3). The world mocks Christians and the Biblical account of Creation, instead pushing their theory of evolution, which is contrary to what God has stated in His Word. This verse in Hebrews refutes evolution and affirms a literal, divine creation as taught in Genesis 1. Christians accept Creation by faith, not because we saw it, but because God declared it. This is an example of having faith, and believing in what God says.
Next we look at Abel, the second child born to Adam and Eve (vs. 4). Abel grew up to be a sheep herder, while his older brother Cain was a farmer. When the two came to bring a sacrifice to God, Abel’s offering was accepted because it was given in faith, unlike Cain’s (Genesis 4:1-5). God had prescribed a blood sacrifice, which we see earlier when God sacrificed a lamb to make clothing for Adam and Eve, to cover and atone for their sin (Genesis 3:21). Without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22). Abel knew this, and brought the proper sacrifice. Cain could have traded some of his good crops to his brother for a lamb. Trading of goods has been historically accepted throughout all of history, and he could have done that. Abel’s sacrifice pointed to the necessity of blood atonement, which was fulfilled in the Lord Jesus. Faith like Abel’s leads to obedience and the type of worship that pleases God.
Next we read about Enoch, (vs. 5), a godly man who is only briefly mentioned in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 5:21-24). Enoch lived a life so filled with faith and godliness that one day God just decided to take him to heaven without him dying. There have only been two people that God did that for, Enoch here, and then the prophet Elijah. It will happen again one day when Jesus returns and brings all believers to heaven. Enoch’s life was marked by walking with God in a daily, faithful relationship. Faith isn’t just for crisis moments. It is a lifestyle of communion with God, which Enoch had.
As this segment of Scripture closes, the author reminds us that faith is necessary in order to please God (vs. 6). Faith is not optional, it is essential. The very foundation of our relationship to God is our faith in Him. We must choose to have faith in God despite what our outward circumstances might be saying. We also should declare God’s greatness and His love over our life, whether we feel like it or not. Our feelings are not always accurate. They can deceive us at times. Salvation, sanctification, and service all hinge on faith. Works without faith are dead, and faith without works is incomplete (James 2:17-18).
Do you have faith in God? Do you believe that He will answer your prayers and will provide for your needs? Faith goes beyond just saying that God exists. Faith is following Him all the days of our life. Faith is trusting Him, even in the worst situations, and remembering Him in the best. God honors those who seek Him in faith - not casually, but diligently like Abel and Enoch.
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