Hebrews 11

If Hebrews 11 isn’t recorded for us as a list of the heroes of faith, what is its purpose? Why has the Holy Spirit, the author of all the Scripture, placed this chapter here?

As in all matters of Biblical interpretation, we need to consider the literary context. Up to Hebrews 10:18, the author has been writing about the practices and purposes of the Old Testament covenant, law, temple and sacrifices. These are contrasted with the better things found in Christ.

We have a better salvation (Hebrews 2), a better Law giver (Hebrews 3), a better rest (Hebrews 4), a better High Priest (Hebrews 5), a better covenant (Hebrews 8), a better promise (Hebrews 8), and a better sacrifice (Hebrews 9).

Beginning in Hebrews 10:19, the author introduces a new theme.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith… let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering… and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:19, 22- 24).

He is now writing to emphasize the lifestyle that should be characteristic of those who have experienced the ‘better things’ found in Christ.

“ But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings… therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls” (Hebrews 10:32, 35-39).

The next chapter is written to give us examples of ‘living by faith.’ It is striking that Caleb, Elisha and Daniel are missing while Moses (a murderer), Sarah (who laughed at God’s promise), and Rahab (a liar) are present. It does not take a spiritual giant to walk the walk of faith. Anyone, whatever their spiritual maturity, can begin this exciting journey of walking in faith today, without which it is impossible to please God. Another example of God’s amazing grace!

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). We have already considered verse one as a definition of faith, a gift and a fruit.

“For by it the people of old received their commendation” (Hebrews 11:2). Men and women of old, who walked in faith, had a good testimony, a good report. Others looked at them and knew that such people walked with God. There were lessons to be learned by watching how God worked in their lives. Similarly, our lives should also be a testimony of faith - revealing God’s leading and our obedience to that leading. The world does not want to hear our words of believing because to them it is irrational. They want to see the witness of our lives.

We are not called to stand in the world giving testimony to Christ; we are called to stand in Christ giving testimony to the world.

“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3). All religions have their stories about creation.

The foundation of our faith is found in an uncreated God Who called all creation into being by His Word. This is beyond human comprehension and scientific explanation. All science can do is investigate what is already in existence and stand back in awe as it proves the reality of what is written! It is only possible to comprehend when God has granted an inner revelation, the faith to enable us to believe. This is not replacing reason, it is above all reason, “for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

We shall now begin to consider each of the characters named in Hebrews 11 to see how the Lord led them in the walk of faith. Coming from the standpoint that the Holy Spirit deliberately led His human author in the choice of people named, I ask myself to read beyond the words to see what principles of the walk with God He has made evident in these examples. I am thrilled as I see the great truths of The Faith being revealed.

I pray that the following chapters will excite you as we consider them together. May the Holy Author speak to your soul concerning what He has written here.