The Book of Hebrews. Chapter 11 By Proper Knowledge Ministries. For Calvary Chapel Bible College of Anaheim

Transcription

1 The Book of Hebrews Chapter 11 By Proper Knowledge Ministries For Calvary Chapel Bible College of Anaheim

2 Hebrews Chapter 11 Defining Faith Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 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. The Truth About Faith In The Bible Faith is a difficult word to define. While the author of Hebrews will now present a powerful argument about how faith connects the Old and New Covenants together, the word in itself is not one that is easy to define based on the way its used in the Bible. The English word faith is only used 2 times in the Old Testament (KJV). Supporting Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. Supporting Scripture: Habakkuk 2:4 - Behold, his soul, which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. The scarcity of the word s use in the Old Testament does not mean that faith is a New Testament principal. Instead, this means that faith was defined more by demonstration and less by explanation. This is the reason that the author of Hebrews refers back to the testimonies of people who lived during Old Testament times in order to illustrate that salvation has always come by faith, though the word faith was seldom used to describe this reality. The New Testament doesn t make the word much easier to define. The Old Testament uses two words to describe faith. Hebrew phrase faith = Ma` al = a negative term that is often translated deceit or unfaithful Hebrew phrase faith = Aman = this word uses seven different verb forms which come to mean support or nourish as a parent that cares for a child Of this word, only one of the 7 verb forms is translated into the Greek text in the New Testament. Greek phrase faith = pistis (noun) = a conviction of the truth of anything Greek phrase faith = pisteuo (verb) = to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, to place confidence in

3 These words are most often used to describe stability or steadfastness and refers to intense forms of trust, or one who remains and stands in one s convictions. The New Testament word pistis is used in 228 verses so that it remains difficult to pin down a simple definition since it s used in so many different ways. Consider the following usages of this Greek word: Supporting Scripture: Galatians 3:26 - For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus This verse explains that the object of one s faith should be Jesus Christ. Supporting Scripture: 2 Timothy 3: But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. This verse explains that salvation comes by faith and the requirement to be saved is to believe in Christ Jesus. Supporting Scripture: Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness This portion of scripture defines faith as fruit of the Spirit amongst 8 other characteristics. Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7-9 - But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit The apostle Paul also wrote that faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit that also gives wisdom, knowledge, gifts of healings, prophecy, discernment, and tongues. Supporting Scripture: Jude 1:3 - Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. In this exhortation to the church, Jude uses the word faith to describe the Gospel message and the Word of God, which was delivered to the saints. Supporting Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12 - And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry When Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy, he used the word faithful to describe the kind of commitment one should have to the ministry of Christ.

4 Supporting Scripture: Hebrews 11:6 - 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. The Book of Hebrews uses the word faith to describe the mental examination one must endure to trust in the characteristics of the Living God to agree with the scriptures. Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 6: Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. The Book of Ephesians refers to faith as the weapon one uses to combat against spiritual/demonic attacks. Examining all of these verses, it is clear to see that the concept of faith is very robust and multi- faceted. Thus, one s understanding of Hebrews 1:1-3 is critical since this definition will allow one to better understand the word s usage in all of the other scriptures as well. Substance Now faith is the substance of things hoped for There is a specific word that is used to define one of the many facets of what faith is. If one is able to understand this word, one is better able to understand faith itself. Greek phrase substance = hypostasis = a setting or placing under, a thing put under, a foundation, that which has a firm foundation This word is only used 4 other times in the New Testament. Supporting Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:3-4 - Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; lest if [some] Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting. Supporting Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:17 - What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Supporting Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-3 - God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by [His] Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of [His] glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high Supporting Scripture: Hebrews 3:14 - For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end

5 The scriptures translate the original Greek word in different ways. In 3 of the 4 usages, the Greek word that is translated substance in Hebrews 11:1 is translated into the English word confidence. The English dictionary defines confidence as: a feeling or belief that one can do something well or with success because of a certain ability, a feeling or consciousness of one s powers or of reliance on one s circumstances. The Bible also translates the Greek word into the word person referring to Jesus Christ as the express image of God. Thus, the Bible teaches that faith is substance, or confidence as in the confidence and sure trust one would have in a solid foundation. Keeping this understanding in context, and examining the usage of the Greek language in Hebrews 1:3, one must realize that faith is being defined as the trust that one has in Jesus as the Messiah since the author of Hebrews has presented Jesus as the foundation on which faith should stand. Supporting Scripture: Isaiah 28:16 - Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily. The prophet Isaiah was even sure to refer to the identity of Messiah as a sure foundation on which one should build the essence of one s faith, having confidence in His identity as a tried stone, a precious cornerstone. Since faith is considered substance or confidence in the person of Jesus Christ, one must consider the end of the phrase that faith is substance in things hoped for. The phrase things hoped for refers to the promises of God as spoken in the Word of God. God s promises are found written in His Word. Thus, faith is confidence in the promises of God as stated in His Word, who is Jesus Christ. It is for this reason that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Proof The evidence of things not seen Faith is also defined on the basis of evidence. Greek phrase evidence = elegchos = a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested, conviction The English dictionary defines evidence as: something which shows that something else exists or is true, a visible sign of something, an outward sign or indication, something that furnishes proof. Understanding this truth, though some have considered faith to be something based on that, which cannot be seen, based on the Biblical definition of faith, the Bible states that faith serves to be evidence for unseen things. Putting these ideas together, the author of Hebrews states that faith is visible proof of one s inward convictions

6 and trust in Jesus as the Messiah. In this way, faith is very much demonstrated, since it must be seen in order to be evidence Good Testimony For by it the elders obtained a good testimony The Bible reveals that the elders had faith. Recall that the argument of the author of Hebrews is to show that the Old Covenant as well as the New Covenant are based on faith. The author of Hebrews was seeking to explain to the Jews that salvation does not come by works of the Law, but instead by faith. For this reason, the author of Hebrews sought to illustrate the faith of the elders in order to show the reason God found favor in them. When the scriptures make mention of the elders it is a reference to believer that lived in Old Testament times. When the scriptures refer to a good testimony, it describes a position of favor that those individuals found with God due to their faith. Hence, the author of Hebrews is arguing that the elders, those that many Jews commonly understood as being in good standing with God, were in such positions of favor because of faith, and such is defined as a good testimony. One must also consider that the good testimony of the elders served as evidence of faith. The manner of conduct and the critical decisions that the elders made in their lives served as evidence of the confidence these men and women had in the identity of the Messiah and the manner in which to receive the promises of God, including salvation. The good testimony of the elders served as proof that the way to salvation and the inheritance of God s promises as stated through His Word is through faith. Their works were merely a demonstration of their trust in God s Word and promises of salvation and rest. Foundation Of Faith 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 The author of Hebrews makes a critical statement in verse 3 of chapter 11. The author of Hebrews ties the definition of faith to the creation of all things. Since the creation account is tied to one s saving faith with Christ as the focal point, one must be sure to understand the full depth of this verse. The verse first states that it is faith that facilitates understanding of God as Creator. Since faith was first defined as the substances of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen, one must seek to connect how creation is related to faith in this way. The verse states that faith facilitates the understanding that God s Word framed the worlds. The Word of God is Jesus Christ. Thus, Jesus Christ framed the worlds. The confidence that one should have in Jesus as being the Messiah is directly tied to one s trust in His identity as Creator. This is the reason that the author began his letter addressing this point. Supporting Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-2 - God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by [His] Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds

7 If Jesus is equal to God as Creator, then He is qualified to be Messiah and atone for all sin through His once- and- for- all death. If Jesus is Messiah who died for the sins of the world once- and- for- all, then He is equal to God as Creator. One can see that the confidence that one has in Jesus either as Creator or Messiah feeds into one s trust in Him as the other. It is the faith of the elders that proved these things to be so. As the author of Hebrews provides certain testimonies of Old Testament people, those testimonies serve to show evidence of Christ and Him as Creator. Since those people believed that God, as an unseen being, created all things that are now seen, and that He did so by His Word, there is observable evidence of God s promises being received. Consider how the apostle Paul addressed this point in the Book of Romans. Supporting Scripture: Romans 1:20 - For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse The scriptures reveal that God revealed Himself, His power, and eternal nature and Godhead through creation. When one examines creation, one is able to see the fingerprint of the Living God so that God, who cannot be seen, is actually seen in His creation especially in that He created everything ex nihilo (out of nothing). It is for this reason that people are without excuse in terms of faith. Creation itself serves to be proof and evidence of God s eternal nature and will so that those who examine such are able to place confidence in Him and His provision.

8 The Faith Of Able Scripture: Hebrews 11:4 - 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. Faith In Sacrifice In order to demonstrate how faith has always been the method by which God s people receive God s rest and the benefits of His promises, the author of Hebrews first presents the testimony of Abel. Abel was the second child born to Adam and Eve after the fall in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 4:2). The context of Abel s faith is given in sacrifice. It is not just that Abel possessed faith, but that his faith was demonstrated through sacrifice, and for this reason was considered more excellent. Many Bible scholars and teachers present different cases that make Abel s sacrifice more excellent. Consider the testimony of Abel to examine the point of the author of Hebrews. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 4:1-8 - Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, "I have acquired a man from the LORD." Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. So the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire [is] for you, but you should rule over it." Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. The scriptures reveal a few differences about the sacrifices of Cain and Abel. The first difference originates from their professions. Cain was a tiller of the ground, so he gave his sacrifice as from the fruit of the ground that he tilled. Abel was a keeper of the flock, and so he gave his sacrifice of the first of his flock. One must make note that Abel s sacrifice is said to be of the firstborn, and Cain s offering is not said to be of the first fruits. One must also consider that of the two sacrifices, only Abel s was an offering of blood. Consider that in Genesis 3:21 God clothed Adam and Eve after the fall in the Garden by providing animal skins. Understanding this truth, it is strongly implied that God sacrificed an animal in order to provide its skin as clothing. Thus, the wages of sin was death, and the blood of an animal was the tool that God used to cover the shame of sin. In Genesis chapter 4, it is seen that the tradition of sacrifices continued into the next generation, but only one sacrifice resembled God s sacrifice Abel s sacrifice.

9 There have been some who have taught that Abel s sacrifice was better because Cain s was from the ground, which was cursed (Genesis 3:17). There are some who teach that Abel s sacrifice was better than Cain s because since Cain was a tiller of the ground, his sacrifice was the fruit of his own corrupted efforts as a sinner as opposed to Abel who slew a naturally grown animal. There are also some who assume that it was the bitter and jealous attitude of Cain that made his sacrifice inferior to Abel s. However, when one considers the actions of God in Genesis chapter 3, the best conclusion to draw for why Abel s was a more excellent sacrifice is because Abel s sacrifice was an animal sacrifice, which was the same sacrifice that God gave to cover sin, and the same manner of sacrifice God would command through the Mosaic Law. It is for this reason that Abel s sacrifice is more excellent, and Abel is seen as righteous by extension. It is the animal sacrifice of Abel that causes God to consider him righteous. By further extension, Hebrews 11:4 also explains that, though Abel is dead, he is still able to speak, thereby attributing eternal capabilities to Abel on account of his righteousness. Abel s animal sacrifice was conducted in faith. His sacrifice was the physical actions and substance for things hoped for forgiveness of sins and salvation. His sacrifice was the evidence of things not yet seen the blood sacrifices of the Law, which would foreshadow the work of Messiah. For these reasons, Abel s sacrifices in faith caused him to be righteous, and thereby possess eternal qualities to be able to speak from the dead. The testimony of Abel again serves as a picture of the work God would do through Messiah and the method by which one receives the benefits of that work. It is blood that God desires in order to deal with sin. When blood sacrifice is coupled with faith, then righteousness is imparted. However, since the blood of animals only covers sins, greater blood was required to remove sin the blood of the Messiah. Yet the point of mentioning Abel s testimony is to show that the method by which one receives the benefits of sacrifice even to cover sins is by faith. Since God counted Abel as righteous even for his animal sacrifice that only covered sin, then faith proves to be the way one is made righteous. It is not the sacrifice itself that makes one righteous. It is the faith that one demonstrates by one s sacrifice, following the example of the Living God, that makes one righteous thereby allowing one to inherit eternal life. The Faith Of Enoch Scripture: Hebrews 11:5-6 - 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. 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. Taken Away By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, and was not found, because God had taken him

10 The scriptures testify that Enoch was taken away. There are some who teach that this phrase refers to the rapture that the apostle Paul refers to in 1 Thessalonians. Supporting Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4: For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. The reason that many people tie the seizing of Enoch to the rapture mentioned in 1 Thessalonians is because the language is similar. Greek phrase taken away = metatithemi = to transpose (two things, one which is put in the place of another), to transfer, to change Greek phrase be caught up = harpazo = to seize, carry off by force, to seize on, claim for one s self eagerly, to snatch out or away Though the two Greek phrases do not seem similar in nature, the original Hebrew testimony in Genesis chapter 5 that originally describes God taking Enoch, closely resembles the Greek word harpazo. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 5:24 - And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. Hebrew phrase took him = laqach = to take, to lay hold of, to seize, to receive, to acquire, to take a wife, to snatch or take away by the hand Though there is a different word used in the Septuagint to describe the manner in which Enoch was taken in Genesis 5:24, the meanings of the words mean the same thing. The results of Enoch s departure is similar to the teaching of the rapture as well. In 1 Corinthians 15:51, the apostle Paul is again discussing the details of the rapture and mentions that one of the benefits of the rapture is that those who experience the rapture will not have to taste death. Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:51 - Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed Those who are able to be taken up in the rapture will not sleep, which is a reference to death. Thus, in the same way that Enoch did not have to taste death like all of the others before him that died in the flood, those in the rapture will be caught up to meet the Lord in the same manner. This is a reference to eternal life, and for this reason, one must examine the details of Enoch s testimony to understand why he was able to skip death (one of the benefits of the New Covenant). First, the testimony of Enoch as stated in Hebrews 11:5 reveals that Enoch had faith. Enoch s life served to be substance of things hoped for (eternal life). Since Enoch never died,

11 but instead was caught up directly to meet the Lord, Enoch s life becomes a picture of the benefits of faith. Enoch s life served as proof of things not seen. Eternal life was not a concept that was understood at the time of Enoch because sin in the world had caused death. Thus, the opportunity to live eternally with the Living God, by escaping death was not something that mankind was accustomed to. Consider the original testimony of Enoch as presented in the Book of Genesis. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 5: After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty- five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he [was] not, for God took him. The scriptures almost appear to present a discrepancy. Genesis 5:22-24 shows that Enoch walked with God, while Hebrews 11:5 makes a powerful assumption by translating this phrase as Enoch pleased God. The author of Hebrews uses the phrase pleased God since the Septuagint translates Genesis 5:22-24 this way. One must consider why the phrase could be translated this way. How does walking with God equate to pleasing God? How is this equated to faith such that Enoch would not have to taste death, providing a foreshadowing picture of the benefits of Messiah s work in the New Covenant? The phrase walked with God is used 3 times in the Old Testament. Two of the mentions describe the conduct of Enoch in Genesis 5: The third and final mention is found in reference to Noah. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 6:9 - This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. The scriptures show that Noah walked with God, and by extension is considered just and perfect in his generation. The Old Testament also makes mention of God commanding Abraham to walk before Him in Genesis 17:1, in which God states that obedience to such a command would result in Abraham being considered blameless. The Septuagint translation for Genesis 17:1 reads, be pleasing in my sight, and be blameless. Thus, the original language often associates one walking with God and before God as being pleasing to God showing the quote in Hebrews 11:5 to be accurate. Walking with God = Pleasing God

12 Enoch s Testimony For before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God It is the relationship that Enoch had with God that caused him to be in a position of favor with God. Enoch s faith is what connected him to God. Enoch s desire to walk with God is a demonstration of Enoch s desire to please God based on the claims of Hebrews 11:5. Thus, the scriptures show that faith is connected to one s desire to please God, which results in one s efforts to connect one s self to God by walking with Him. The Bible describes that it is the desire of Enoch to please God by walking with Him that is defined as faith, which enabled Enoch to skip death. It is not the works of Enoch that caused God to seize Enoch. It is the desire that Enoch had to be with God in faith that caused God to seize him. In that Enoch was taken away the Bible describes Enoch being able to receive the benefits of the New Covenant before God spoke the details of the New Covenant. However, the Bible does not testify of Enoch performing any sacrifice or performing works of any kind. It is the faith of Enoch that is mentioned, and faith was motivated by Enoch s desire to please God. The point that the author of Hebrews is seeking to illustrate is that Enoch was able to inherit eternal life by skipping death even without animal sacrifice. God examined the heart of Enoch, saw a genuine desire that Enoch had to be with God and please Him, and thus, Enoch received the benefits of God s rest even before the promise of rest. Consider even that Enoch s name is a reflection of Enoch s desire to please God. Hebrew phrase Enoch = Henoch = dedicated Enoch s name reflects that he was dedicated to the Lord and so walked with Him, according to His ways as he was motivated by faith to seek to please God by giving more than the blood of an animal. Enoch gave himself to God by walking with Him. Supporting Scripture: Romans 12:1-3 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Pleasing God 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 The author of Hebrews makes it plainly clear that it is impossible to please God without faith. This means that, no matter how many animals one has sacrificed, one cannot please God if faith is not one s motive to bring sacrifice. More importantly,

13 speaking towards the argument about Jesus as Messiah, if one does not have faith in His identity, one cannot please God. Abel s faith was demonstrated by animal sacrifice. The animal sacrifice of Abel was a foreshadowing picture of the Mosaic Law. The Mosaic Law was a foreshadowing picture of Jesus own death as Messiah. Thus, the sacrifice of Abel was a foreshadowing picture of Jesus death. Abel s sacrifice was a statement of faith as Abel trusted that the wages of sin would be paid by atoning death. Though Abel had little understanding of Messiah and His identity, His actions in faith were performed in such a way that resembled God s work through Messiah as demonstrated in Genesis chapter 3 when God killed an animal to clothe Adam and Eve. Enoch s faith was demonstrated in his desire to please God by walking with God. Enoch walked in a manner that God was pleased with based on the standards of God s righteousness rather than his own. The essence of Messiah is that He is the Lord Our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6). It is the life of Jesus Christ as Messiah that serves to be the light of men and the example of righteous conduct (John 1:4). Thus, Enoch walked with God as God expects one to walk with Messiah in faith. Both testimonies point to the identity of Messiah, and both testimonies reveal two men who were successfully able to please God in faith, even with limited understanding about Messiah. Yet the audience of the Book of Hebrews has tremendous understanding of Messiah s identity, and thus can only please God by faith not works. Consider the points of faith that the author of Hebrews identifies. 1. Believe That God Is In order to come to God, one must believe that He is. This is a reference to His existence. One must believe that God is real. One must believe that God is who His Word explains that He is. By extension, one must believe in the identity of God. Since the scriptures define God as a triune being that can only be approached by His Son (John 14:6), one must believe that Jesus is the method by which one can know God. In order to please God, and come to God, one must believe that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit since God s provision to come to Him is through His Son so that when one demonstrates faith in the Son, one is given the Spirit that functionally connects one to God. 2. Believe He Rewards In order to come to God, one must believe that He is a rewarder. In other words, one must trust in the promises of God. In Genesis 3:15 God placed His judgment upon sin and the devil. This judgment was completely exclusive and in no way involved the work or efforts of mankind. The manner in which sin would be dealt with was based purely on the hostility between the serpent and the Seed. Sin would be dealt with by the wound of the heel of the Seed that would inflict a fatal blow to the head of the serpent. The scriptures reveal that this promise was made in the context of God s grace.

14 While God gave both Adam and Eve the opportunity to repent, they did not. They each sought to cast blame to another without taking responsibility for their sin. Nevertheless, though God would have been just to destroy Adam and Eve then, He instead promised to destroy sin by His own efforts, since at that time, mankind had already demonstrated the inability to overcome sin. In order to please God, one must trust in God s promise and work to deal with sin. Furthermore, since God continued to make promises in the Word by His grace, one must also trust in the benefits attached to God s judgment against sin, which includes eternal life and the inheritance that God desires to share with His children who believe. According to the scriptures, these are the things that Enoch trusted in by faith. Since Enoch desired to please God, he trusted in God s provision for salvation and looked forward to God s promises of eternal life. The scriptures then explain that Enoch received the fruit of his faith. The point of the author of Hebrews is that, since salvation comes exclusively by Messiah, who is Jesus Christ, one must trust that He is in order to please God. Since the benefits and rewards of God s promises come by Messiah, one must trust in Jesus ability to fulfill and distribute those rewards by the work He already accomplished in order to please God. The Faith Of Noah Scripture: Hebrews 11:7 - 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. Unseen Things By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen The faith of Noah is identified in the context of information he didn t possess. The scriptures state that Noah was divinely warned, which means that God Himself spoke to Noah concerning coming judgment. The method of judgment that God warned of was a global flood. A global flood had not yet been seen on the earth, and has not been seen since, though ample evidence of the flood exists worldwide. God said that He would destroy the world with a flood, and Noah trusted that the things God said were true. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 6: And God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. "Make yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. "And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark [shall be] three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. "You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it [with] lower, second, and third

15 [decks]. "And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which [is] the breath of life; everything that [is] on the earth shall die. "But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark- - you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you. "And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every [sort] into the ark, to keep [them] alive with you; they shall be male and female. "Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every [kind] will come to you to keep [them] alive. "And you shall take for yourself of all food that is eaten, and you shall gather [it] to yourself; and it shall be food for you and for them." Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did. The scriptures reveal God being candid with Noah to explain the events that were going to take place, the reason for those events, and Noah s involvement and role in those events. The scriptures are clear to show that as God commanded, Noah did. Though Noah might not have possessed the knowledge to build the ark at the time the command was received, he made the necessary efforts to do so, trusting that God would indeed flood the earth, though God had never done that before. Noah s position in terms of his understanding of what would happen, was extremely limited. Knowledge was not a prerequisite for Noah s obedience. Thus, faith is defined in Hebrews 11:7 as trusting in what God says, whether one understands the words or not. This would apply to the readers of the Book of Hebrews in that, it is difficult to imagine how God could become a man, but one trusts in such a claim because God said He did. It is difficult to understand how Jesus, as God, would die for all sin to satisfy all of the Law s requirement. Yet the point of the author of Hebrews is that in order to please God, one must trust in those claims because God made the claims. It is difficult to understand how Jesus death satisfied the wrath of God for all people. Nevertheless, according to the Book of Hebrews, one must trust in those claims because God made them. It is difficult to understand why God would assume all of the responsibility upon Himself to deal with sin, thereby excluding the works of men to grant eternal life and the promises of God. Nevertheless, according to the scriptures, one is expected to trust in those claims because God made them. As Noah believed and trusted in the Word of God even without full understanding and knowledge of what God said, so too are believers expected to trust in New Covenant times. The Response Of Noah s Faith Moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household The scriptures describe that Noah s faith was demonstrated by his response to God s warning. Hebrews 11:7 shows that as Noah received the warning from God about His coming judgment, Noah moved with godly fear. Greek phrase moved with fear = eulabeomai = to act cautiously, circumspectly, to beware, fear, to stand in awe of

16 This word is only used one other time in scripture to describe the response to equally life- threatening circumstances. Supporting Scripture: Acts 23:10 - Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks. This portion of scripture uses the Greek phrase to describe the extreme concern that the chief captain had for the life of Paul the apostle. The Greek definition emphasizes careful consideration of possible consequences and risks. Noah heard the Word of God, pondered the Word of God, and even without full knowledge, considered the consequence of death as a result of disobedience or indifference. The use of this Greek word in Acts 23:10 shows that the word also emphasizes that such consideration is performed with urgency. Noah s faith caused him to move quickly with godly fear, greatly concerned for the possible outcome of his disobedience or laziness. Thus, the scriptures explain that Noah began to build the ark in order to save his household. His trust in God s Word inspired concern for the consequence of disobeying God s Word to the extent that Noah was also concerned for his family, and thus made provision to ensure their safety. Recall that the author of Hebrews warned his audience several times about neglect, indifference, and complacency regarding the claims of Jesus as Messiah. The author of Hebrews warned the Jews that some were in danger of salvation drifting away as a result of neglect and indifference that was made visible by the lacking in spiritual maturity and growth. It was true that many Jews found the claims of Jesus as Messiah difficult to be true, but the author of Hebrews provides Noah as a great example to show that, in spite of the difficulty of God s Word, saving faith is possible, and is evident. The evidence of Noah s faith was the fear that he exemplified through his obedience. Noah believed that God was going to destroy the earth and was afraid for his family and himself, and so began to build the ark. In the same way, the author of Hebrews desired for his readers to fear the consequence of rejecting Jesus as Messiah and make visible fruit- bearing efforts to trust in Him and Him alone. The Affects Of Noah s Faith By which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith The argument of the author of Hebrews has been that, it is impossible to receive salvation and the benefits of God s promises by any other means than Messiah who is Jesus Christ. The blood of animals does not suffice to bring one into the fold of God s eternal inheritance and rest. Instead, it is the once- and- for- all work of Yeshua that allows one to be forgiven of sins, and thereby receive the inheritance of God s eternal promises. One is able to receive the benefits of Messiah s blessing through faith, and faith alone. This truth is pictured in the testimony of Abel and Enoch. This truth is also pictured in the testimony of Noah. One must examine that the scriptures show that Noah

17 trusted in the Word of God and not the words of men. The scriptures reveal that Noah condemned the world. He did not participate in the worldly practices of unrighteousness, but instead, like Enoch, walked with God. He did not ignore the warning of God about judgment, but instead honored God s provision of salvation and was saved. Noah was not influenced by the world. Noah s faith in God would soon be known by the world through the destruction of the world, and his salvation by contrast. Noah condemned the world by becoming a communicator of God s Word in preaching about God s coming judgment as a form of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5). As a result of Noah s faith, Hebrews 11:7 explains that Noah became an heir of righteousness. Noah s faith caused him to be seen as righteous in the eyes of the Living God. It was not the work that Noah performed that caused him to be righteous. Noah did not perform any animal sacrifices in order to be considered righteousness. Noah simply trusted in the Word of God and made life decisions that reflected such trust. The point of the author of Hebrews is that this is the way in which one is made righteous not by the blood of animals, but by faith. Then when one puts the rest of the scriptures together, one finds that faith under the New Covenant is to be directed at Jesus as Messiah and the Son of God. Even as Noah s faith was demonstrated by his willingness to build and enter the ark, the ark itself served to be a picture of Jesus Christ as a vessel of God s salvation from wrath. Supporting Scripture: 1 Peter 3: For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while [the] ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype, which now saves us- - baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. The Faith of Abraham Scripture: Hebrews 11: 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. 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; for he waited for the city, which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Obedience Of Abraham By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance

18 The previous examples of faith demonstrated the need for obedience. Abel demonstrated obedience by following the example of God to offer up animals as a sacrifice. Enoch demonstrated obedience by walking with God, following His lead, and by extension, pleasing God. Noah demonstrated obedience by building the ark that God had commanded and by preaching a warning to the people of God s coming judgment. Thus, it should not come as a surprise that Abraham s faith is mentioned in the context of his own obedience. Consider the testimony of Abraham as originally presented in the Book of Genesis. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 12:1-5 - Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram [was] seventy- five years old when he departed from Haran. Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan. While the Bible shows God making three of the most tremendous promises known to mankind, the promises of God called for the obedience of Abraham. Abraham needed to trust in the Word of God in order to receive the promises of God. When God told Abraham to leave his home country, Abraham did so. When God told Abraham to leave his father s house and the familiarity of Haran, Abraham did so. God promised Abraham that He would show Abraham where to go, and so Abraham trusted God and went in a direction he felt the Lord was leading. The Ignorance Of Abraham And he went out, not knowing where he was going When the author of Hebrews described the faith of Noah, he mentioned that Noah s faith was demonstrated in the context of a certain level of ignorance. God said He would judge the earth with a great flood, and that had never been done before. There was no way for Noah to fully understand the judgment that God would bring. God commanded Noah to build an ark to save himself and his family. However, the scriptures do not suggest that Noah had the natural understanding or knowledge of how to do so. The scriptures simply say that Noah began to build the ark out of fear. Again, Noah s obedience was conducted without full understanding of God s instruction. He simply did the best he could to do what he felt God was saying. Abraham s faith is explained in the same way. The scriptures declare that Abraham went out, having no clue where he was going. Though he ended up in Canaan, Genesis 12:1-4 doesn t show God telling Abraham to go to Canaan. Abraham simply packed up his stuff and his family and set out in a direction he felt God was leading based on the strong convictions he felt. There are often times when faith is demonstrated this way in the scriptures. Consider the testimony of Paul the apostle:

19 Supporting Scripture: Acts 16: Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. The scriptures show that Paul tried to preach the Gospel in places he felt there was a need. However, the Holy Spirit did not desire for Paul to go in those areas so that for a time, Paul and his group were playing a guessing game, doing their best to discern where God wanted them to go. After a time, the vision that Paul had about Macedonia is what caused him to have a strong conviction to go into that area, assuming that the vision was the communication of God to go to Macedonia. Only after arriving in Macedonia was it confirmed that God wanted Paul in Macedonia. Thus, faith requires action without having all of the facts and information. Faith demands a response to God to do what one feels God desires. Hence, one must know God in order to know what He desires, which requires one to walk with God as Enoch. Then one bases one s decisions in life to be where God desires based on one s experience in knowing God, seeking to please Him. Nevertheless, God is seen purposefully withholding information to facilitate faith, which requires one s response to please God to be without information many times, yet trusting God will provide and take care of His people. Faith According To The Old Testament Scriptures Desire God Walk With God Know God Please God Respond To God Hear God

20 The Perspective Of Abraham 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; for he waited for the city, which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God When the author of Hebrews described the faith of Abel, Enoch, and Noah, the author implied the heavenly perspective of each man through their testimony. Abel is presented having a heavenly perspective since he is seen providing an animal sacrifice. Abel s sacrifice was that of life. Abel took life in order to receive a greater quality of life and so was willing to shed blood having the right perspective. Enoch is presented having a heavenly perspective since he walked with God. The Bible explains that those amongst Enoch s generation were not men who sought after God. It was not long after Enoch s birth that God judged the world with the flood. In spite of the worldly living of his contemporaries, Enoch sought to walk with God instead. Noah is presented having a heavenly perspective as well since Noah feared God and built the ark. Though Noah s contemporaries were living to satisfy their flesh, Noah sought to satisfy God. Though the people of Noah s time were living according to wicked standards to please their lust and violent desires, Noah denied himself and became a preacher of God and built the ark to save his family and himself. Abraham is presented having a heavenly perspective based on his willingness to endure his living circumstances. Abraham was commanded by God to leave his familiar surroundings and the land that he would have likely inherited from his father. The scriptures show that Abraham dwelt in a foreign country. The place that Abraham lived was not his own and was never considered home. The scriptures provide the details that Abraham never even resided in a real home, but instead lived in tents for the rest of his life. His son Isaac, and grandson Jacob lived in the same manner. They never had land to call their own even though God had promised to give them a great land inheritance. The author of Hebrews explains that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were content to live in this manner because they were not anticipating a home built by normal hands. Since God had made the promise to provide, they figured God would be the One to build. They figured correctly so that the scriptures explain that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob waited for a city that God Himself would build. Though the three of them lived in tents, they looked forward to a city with foundations built by God. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are described as having a heavenly focus since they were willing to sacrifice certain comforts in this life in anticipation for greater comfort in eternal life that would come directly from God. The beginning of Abraham s testimony shows that faith requires obedience, a response without full knowledge and understanding, and such response is motivated by a heavenly focus rather than an earthly one. The author of Hebrews is trying to show that faith in Jesus as Messiah works the same way. As Abraham obeyed God to go to Canaan while in ignorance, one must obey the command of God to trust in Jesus even though one might not fully understand His identity as Messiah.

21 As Abraham was willing to sacrifice certain worldly luxuries in hope of a greater reward from God in eternity, one must deny one s self, pick up one s cross and follow Christ, trusting that such a journey will lead to the fulfillment of God s promises in eternity as well. As Abraham looked to the fulfillment of God s promises being from God Himself as the work of His own hands, one must trust that the method of achieving salvation and the benefits of the New Covenant come in the same manner by the work of God Himself by His own hands as Jesus Christ. The Faith Of Sarah Scripture: Hebrews 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. 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. The Basis Of Sarah s Faith 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 The Bible shows that men were not the only individuals that demonstrated praiseworthy faith as an example to others. The author of Hebrews points to the conduct and trust of Sarah to explain the definition of faith, and how faith was always the manner in which God fulfilled His promises. The scriptures say that Sarah judged God faithful. Though her physical circumstances were such that made it seem impossible for her to give birth to a child, the author of Hebrews shows that she trusted in God s faithfulness to His own promises in spite of circumstances. Since God swore upon Himself that He would provide Abraham with an heir, Sarah trusted that God was faithful to keep His promise and would overcome circumstances to do so. Consider the circumstances that God overcame to fulfill His promise to Abraham. The testimony of Hebrews 11:11 shows that Sarah was past the age of bearing children. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 18: Then they said to him, "Where [is] Sarah your wife?" So he said, "Here, in the tent." And He said, "I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son." (Sarah was listening in the tent door which [was] behind him.) Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; [and] Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?" And the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I surely bear [a child], since I am old?' "Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." But Sarah denied [it], saying, "I did not laugh," for she was afraid. And He said, "No, but you did laugh!"

22 Supporting Scripture: Genesis 21:1-8 - And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him- - whom Sarah bore to him- - Isaac. Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. And Sarah said, "God has made me laugh, [and] all who hear will laugh with me." She also said, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne [him] a son in his old age." So the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the same day that Isaac was weaned. The scriptures show that when Sarah gave birth, she was 90 years old (Genesis 17:17). The scriptures often confirm Sarah being well past a childbearing age. Nevertheless, in spite of Sarah s laughter, God was faithful to His own promise. The Lord did as He had spoken, and the author of Hebrews states that Sarah trusted, not in her ability to give birth, but in God s faithfulness to provide. Though she had doubted God for a time, she called her son Isaac to remind everyone that God performed His work of provision to fulfill His promises in spite of her. She laughed at God when she heard Him say she would give birth at 90 years old. Thus, she called her child Isaac (Laughter) to remind herself and others that God was faithful when she was doubtful, concerned and confused. Once again, without understanding the details of how God would perform His work, Sarah s faith is given as an example. She thought it silly that she would give birth as an old woman. Nevertheless, she trusted that God was faithful. Supporting Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:13 - If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. Accomplishing The Impossible 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 The author of Hebrews goes on to prove His point about the method of receiving the benefits of the New Covenant by faith, by describing the ability and faithfulness of God. Abraham was able to receive the benefits of God s promises (Isaac) by the faithfulness of God. Though Abraham possessed faith, it was not by works, nor by sacrifice that Isaac was conceived. In fact, the scriptures testify that Isaac was conceived and born under circumstances that made it impossible for Abraham and Sarah to perform. Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90 years old when Isaac was born. The author of Hebrews is candid to mention that Abraham was as good as dead at 100 years old. There was no way that Abraham and Sarah, by their own strength and merits, were able to produce Isaac. The birth of Isaac was the miraculous provision of God based on His own faithfulness to Himself. The author of Hebrews is seeking to show the Jews that this is the method by which God offers salvation in the New Covenant as well. This is the way God has always done things.

23 One does not receive the benefits of God s promises by one s performance. One is able to receive the benefits of God s promises by trusting in God s faithfulness to Himself, and His ability to overcome all circumstances to fulfill His promises. As a result of God s faithfulness, God s ability, and the faith of Abraham and Sarah, God was willing to bring about an entire nation from a man that was as good as dead. The author of Hebrews uses these examples to show that the basis for trusting in Jesus as Messiah and His once- for- all death is the way that one receives salvation so that one s faith should be based on God s history of faithfulness and ability to accomplish that which man cannot. If God was faithful to keep His promises to Abraham, and is able to birth an entire nation from a single man and woman that were too old and unable to give birth, then God is surely able to transform Himself into flesh in order to die for the sins of the world, once and for all, and thus grant eternal life to all those who believe in His work. Supporting Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. The Extent Of Old Covenant Faith Scripture: Hebrews 11: 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. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 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. Future Focus These all died in faith This statement serves to be great encouragement for believers under the New Covenant. The scriptures declare that Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob all died in faith. As examples of faith, part of the cause for their good example is that their faith lasted until the end. Though they suffered and endured the hardships of life like any other person, their faith remained until the end of their life. As the author of Hebrews had been warning the Jews he wrote to about the importance of enduring faith and developing faith, the example of Old Testament believers proves that it is possible. Supporting Scripture: Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

24 Extent Of Hope Not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them This portion of scripture serves to provide great hope for the New Covenant believer. The people that the author of Hebrews had mentioned so far in chapter 11 all died in faith, but never received the promises of God. These men and women were forced to wait for a later fulfillment of God s promises. One must consider that those who died in faith under the Old Covenant were unable to enter into the presence of God until Jesus died and ushered them into the kingdom. These men and women patiently waited for the work of Messiah to be completed, though they lived their lives looking forward to promises they would receive in eternity rather than this life. New Covenant believers don t have this issue. Since Jesus has already paid the price of sin, those who believe can receive the benefits of many of God s promises now. God s Holy Spirit is made freely available to anyone who desires it in order that one can be connected to the Living God. Though the full extents of God s promises under the New Covenant have yet to be fulfilled, there are many privileges available to believers under the New Covenant that Old Testament believers could not enjoy. Nevertheless, those men and women lived by faith. They examined the promises of God and though there was much work that needed to be done in order to see God s promises fully fulfilled, they placed their hope in those promises and trusted in God s faithfulness to fulfill them. For this reason, New Covenant believers are without excuse. Old Testament believers had so much less information and revelation, yet died in faith, not having received the promises that God made; yet they persevered in faith. Supporting Scripture: Numbers 24:17 - I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; a Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult. Supporting Scripture: 1 Peter 1: Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace [that would come] to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven- - things which angels desire to look into. Understanding Citizenship Embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland The author of Hebrews reveals that the way the Old Testament believers were able to endure and patiently await God s promises up to the point of death is because they had an understanding of their heavenly citizenship. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

25 were willing to dwell in tents because they looked for a city whose foundation was built by God s own hands, which they understood, would not be on this earth at the time they dwelt here. The scriptures show that the past heroes of faith sought a homeland; that is, they did not consider this planet their home. Though there is great temptation to dig roots deep into the ways of the world, the scriptures testify that the faith of these people was such that caused them to focus on their eternal dwelling place. Supporting Scripture: Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Supporting Scripture: Psalm 73:25 - Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. Supporting Scripture: John 14:2-3 - "In My Father's house are many mansions; if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, [there] you may be also. Supporting Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1 - For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Supporting Scripture: Philippians 3: For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. No Turning Back And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return The author of Hebrews had presented a few compelling warnings about the dangers of returning, not just to a former way of living in unbelief, but also about the dangers of returning to the Old Covenant sacrificial system in place of faith in the work of Christ. The author of Hebrews was also helpful to provide examples to show that when a person has the right heavenly perspective in faith, one is not willing to go back to one s former way of living, but only desires to be with God. This portion of scripture reveals that the people already mentioned as examples of good faith were not willing to return to their former ways of living because of their understanding of God s faithfulness and the value of God s promises. The scriptures reveal that these men and women considered their past ways of living, but never sought an opportunity to return to those ways. Those men and women desired to please God and be with God more. Though Abraham may have missed his family and friends in Haran, he was fixed to stay in Canaan even while in tents because of the promises that God had made.

26 Supporting Scripture: Genesis 24:5-7 - And the servant said to him, "Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I take your son back to the land from which you came?" But Abraham said to him, "Beware that you do not take my son back there. "The LORD God of heaven, who took me from my father's house and from the land of my family, and who spoke to me and swore to me, saying, 'To your descendants I give this land,' He will send His angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. Weighing The Value But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country The people that the author of Hebrews mentioned as good examples of faith, all looked for something greater than what this world could offer. The reason that these men and women were able to maintain a heavenly focus, endure life, and die with faith in promises that had not yet been received is because they desired heaven. Abraham was not discouraged to live in a tent since he looked forward to possessing a country. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were content in their position to live as slaves without an earthly inheritance because they trusted that God would honor His promise to provide a heavenly inheritance. Supporting Scripture: Matthew 6: Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Supporting Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:18 - While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal... Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 2:19 - Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God

27 God s Response To Faith Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them The author of Hebrews is clear to present the attitude and perspective of God concerning the faith that the Old Testament believers demonstrated. God was not ashamed of these men and women. He was not ashamed to be their God. Though sin caused mankind to live in shame (Genesis 3:7), faith in the promises of God, especially as fulfilled by Messiah, allows God to remove such shame so that shame is non- existent in the relationship God s people have with Him. He is not ashamed to be the God of His children, and His children no longer have to live in shame before Him. Thus, the Bible explains that it is not the blood of animals that inspires God to be connected to His children in this way. Instead, the Bible reveals that it is the trust one puts in the faithfulness of God and His unconditional and eternal promises that causes God to look upon His children with favor, absent of shame. The result of this restored relationship is that the city that God promised to those who believe will be given. Supporting Scripture: Matthew 25:34 - Then the King will say to those on His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world Supporting Scripture: Luke 12:32 - Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. The Faith Of The Patriarchs Scripture: Hebrews 11: By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, In Isaac your seed shall be called, concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. The Test Of Abraham By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, In Isaac your seed shall be called, concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense The author of Hebrews presents four major points when brining up the testimony of Abraham and Isaac quoted from Genesis chapter 22. Since the testimony of Abraham is presented as an example of faith, one must carefully examine each major point to understand the details of faith that pleases God. Then, upon understanding

28 those details, one must seek to connect those details to the overall message the author of Hebrews was seeking to communicate to His audience regarding faith in Jesus as Messiah, God s manner of working in the New Covenant, and the promises of God in the New Covenant. Point 1: The Offering Of Isaac The testimony of Abraham being tested by God is found in Genesis chapter 22. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 22:1 - Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, Abraham! And he said, Here I am. The scriptures go on to explain that the parameters of God s test for Abraham consisted of Abraham offering up his son Isaac as a burnt offering, which called for the complete consumption of Abraham s son. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 22:2 - Then He said, Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you. The scriptures then reveal that Abraham obeyed God without hesitation, left to go to Mount Moriah, prepared the place to offer his son, bound his son, and raised a knife over Isaac in order to slay him before burning him. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 22:3 - So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 22: Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. God tested Abraham by examining Abraham s trust. God had promised that Isaac would be the heir of the promises that He made to Abraham. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 17: Then God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah [shall be] her name. "And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be [a mother of] nations; kings of peoples shall be from her." Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, "Shall [a child] be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear [a

29 child]?" And Abraham said to God, "Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!" Then God said: "No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, [and] with his descendants after him. God desired to test Abraham to see if Abraham trusted in His faithfulness to fulfill that promise. As Abraham obeyed the command of God to kill his son, Abraham demonstrated that he did trust God to fulfill His promises through Isaac. Point 2: The Title Of Isaac The author of Hebrews refers to Isaac in a unique way. In Genesis 22:2 God referred to Isaac as Abraham s only son Isaac, whom you love. This is an interesting statement since Isaac was not Abraham s only son. Many have taught that God did not consider Ishmael to be Abraham s son since he was born outside of God s will. However, Genesis 17:20 shows that God had a special affection for Ishmael and blessed him. The reason that God calls Isaac Abraham s only son is described in Hebrews 11:17. The author of Hebrews adds the word begotten to refer to Isaac in order to clarify God s meaning in Genesis 22:2. Greek phrase only begotten = monogenes = single of its kind This Greek word is only used 9 times in the New Testament. Of the 8 other usages in the New Testament, 5 of them refer to Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Supporting Scripture: John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Supporting Scripture: John 1:18 - No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. Supporting Scripture: John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Supporting Scripture: John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Supporting Scripture: 1 John 4:9 - In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

30 The scriptures use this Greek word to describe uniqueness. Jesus is unique as the Son of God since, though He came as a man, He is the only man to be filled with the grace and truth of God, is the only one who is in the bosom of the Father with the approval of God, who is the only one able to condemn as well as the only one able to give eternal life. Thus, in this way, Isaac was unique as well. Isaac was not the only son of Abraham. Isaac was not even the oldest son of Abraham. Instead, Isaac was the unique son of Abraham because God promised that Isaac would be the heir of the promises that He made to Abraham not Ishmael. This truth is confirmed throughout Genesis as God states Isaac by name to be the heir of the Abrahamic Covenant. This truth is ultimately confirmed through the genealogies that show Jesus the Messiah was born from the seed of Isaac and not Ishmael. Point 3: The Promise In Isaac The scriptures reveal that God s promises are specific. Abraham had two sons, so God made it clear which son would inherit the promises in Genesis 17:19. Though faith is demonstrated in the midst of missing information sometimes (as seen with Noah), God does provide insights that facilitate faith. God provides details to His work so that faith is simply trusting in the details of God s Word. Consider the times God said Isaac would be the heir. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 17:19 Then God said: No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 17:21 But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 18:10 And He said, I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son. (Sarah was listening in the tent door, which was behind him.) Supporting Scripture: Genesis 18:14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 21:1-3 And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him whom Sarah bore to him Isaac. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 21:12 But God said to Abraham, Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of

31 your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called. God was clear about His will and His promises so that Abraham trusted in God s clarity. Point 4: Abraham s Trust In God s Ability Since God was so clear and open regarding His promises to Abraham and Isaac being the heir, Abraham trusted in God s ability to fulfill that promise. It might have seemed odd for God to ask for Isaac s life since Isaac was to be the heir, but Abraham trusted God to raise Isaac from the dead if necessary, as stated in Hebrews 11:19. Abraham assumed that since God was Yahweh, He could perform such a task. Abraham assumed that since God was faithful, He would be willing to perform such a task. Abraham s understanding of God s character and nature facilitated his confidence and trust in God s ability and willingness to perform and fulfill His promises. Relationship + Understanding = Confidence As a result, Hebrews 11:19 says that Isaac was raised from the dead in a figurative sense. Greek phrase figurative = parabole = a placing of one thing by the side of another, comparing one thing with another, an example by which a doctrine or precept is illustrated, a parable This Greek word is where the English word for parable comes from. Since a parable is a story that illustrates a greater point, the testimony of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 is a narrative that explains a greater point. The author of Hebrews is aware of this and seeking to explain this truth to his audience. The scriptures explain that Abraham considered Isaac to be dead since he was obedient to offer his son as a sacrifice. In the mind of Abraham, Isaac was as good as dead, which is demonstrated by Abraham s willingness to kill his son. Yet since Isaac was spared, it was as if Isaac was raised from the dead in the mind of Abraham. In this way, the bigger picture that Genesis 22 seeks to explain is that faith facilitates the raising of the dead. This is the point that the author if Hebrews is seeking to get across. The faith of Abraham is what facilitated the fulfillment of God s promises through Isaac. The trust in God that Abraham had as a result of his understanding of who God was, allowed Isaac to be raised from the dead (in a figurative sense). The method by which Isaac was raised came from the provision of God in the sacrifice of a ram from the Angel of the Lord (Genesis 22:8, 13-14). Since the Angel

32 of the Lord is an Old Testament appearance of Jesus (Genesis 22:12, 16), it is the sacrifice provided by Jesus that caused Isaac to be raised from the dead just as the manner in which the New Covenant is executed. Though there was sacrifice, it was not Abraham s sacrifice that provided life and facilitated God s promises - it was God s own work and God s own provision. This truth is so important that God repeated His promises to Abraham through the Angel of the Lord and swore upon Himself to fulfill those promises to make it clear that He would be the manner in which His promises are fulfilled (Genesis 22:16-18) with faith determining the beneficiaries. Supporting Scripture: Romans 4: For the promise that he would be the heir of the world [was] not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if those who are of the law [are] heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law [there is] no transgression. Therefore [it is] of faith that [it might be] according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed- - God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be." And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. God would fulfill His promises regardless of man s ability and works. Faith would permit people to inherit the benefits of God s promises. As this was true during the time of Abraham, it was also true at the time Hebrews was written, and is still true today. Supporting Scripture: Isaiah 45:23 - I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath. Isaac s Blessing By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come God continued to fulfill His promises through the heirs of Abraham that He first pronounced. The scriptures show that Isaac demonstrated faith by blessing Jacob and Esau. It is important to notice the tense that the author of Hebrews mentions in regards to the blessing. Isaac blessed his sons regarding things to come. Isaac gave a blessing that referred to a future tense. The promises would not be fully fulfilled until the future. The blessing of Isaac must be examined in its full context since the scriptures mention that the blessing Isaac gave was in spite of his personal feelings, which is why the blessing was given in faith.

33 Supporting Scripture: Genesis 25: Now Isaac pleaded with the LORD for his wife, because she [was] barren; and the LORD granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived. But the children struggled together within her; and she said, "If [all is] well, why [am I like] this?" So she went to inquire of the LORD. And the LORD said to her: "Two nations [are] in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; [one] people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger." So when her days were fulfilled [for her] to give birth, indeed [there were] twins in her womb. And the first came out red. [He was] like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau's heel; so his name was called Jacob. Isaac [was] sixty years old when she bore them. So the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau because he ate [of his] game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he [was] weary. And Esau said to Jacob, "Please feed me with that same red [stew], for I [am] weary." Therefore his name was called Edom. But Jacob said, "Sell me your birthright as of this day." And Esau said, "Look, I [am] about to die; so what [is] this birthright to me?" Then Jacob said, "Swear to me as of this day." So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised [his] birthright. When Rebekah became pregnant and was concerned about its progress, she inquired of the Lord about the children that were in her womb. She learned that the two boys were at war with each other in her womb, but that God desired for the older to serve the younger. Rebekah learned from God that the heir to the promises of Abraham and Isaac would be the younger of the two boys. Later, the scriptures show that Isaac loved Esau because of his skill, but Rebekah loved Jacob. While no reason is given for Rebekah s preference, keeping things in context, it s understood that Rebekah loved Jacob because he would be the heir as the younger brother. Not to say that she didn t love her son Esau, but that she preferred Jacob because of what God told her about Jacob when they were in her womb. The scriptures go on to show how Esau rejected and sold his birthright. This is how the older would serve the younger. God s Word and promises were coming true. At this time, God made it so that Jacob assumed the position as heir though he was the younger brother. Genesis chapter 27 documents the circumstances regarding Isaac s blessing of the two boys. Though the circumstances involve deception, God s original plan was fulfilled as stated in Genesis 25:23. In Genesis 27 Rebekah appears to be a deceiver when she tells Jacob to dress as his brother to receive his father s blessing by secret. However, her motives are proven to be genuine later in scripture. Supporting Scripture: Romans 9: For this [is] the word of promise: "At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son." And not only [this], but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, [even] by our father Isaac (for [the

34 children] not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), it was said to her, "The older shall serve the younger." As it is written, "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated." What shall we say then? [Is there] unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! The scriptures show that God chose Jacob by election, which simply refers to the fact that it was God s will for Esau to serve the younger Jacob. Since God had already communicated His will to Rebekah, the scriptures simply show her doing what needed to be done so that God s will was fulfilled, and this is why God never judged the deception of Rebekah and Jacob when Isaac gave the blessing. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 27: Then Isaac answered and said to Esau, "Indeed I have made him your master, and all his brethren I have given to him as servants; with grain and wine I have sustained him. What shall I do now for you, my son?" And Esau said to his father, "Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me- - me also, O my father!" And Esau lifted up his voice and wept. Then Isaac his father answered and said to him: "Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above. By your sword you shall live, and you shall serve your brother; and it shall come to pass, when you become restless, that you shall break his yoke from your neck." So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, "The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob." Isaac could have confessed the mistake and blessed Esau, but he didn t. In faith, he assumed that the Lord s will was done even though his younger son received the blessing. Isaac even mentions that the younger was made master of the older and that Jacob would be given the land, just as God previously ordained. Isaac made an unpopular and unconventional decision in order to align himself with the will of God that concerned the future. This is faith. This decision was against Isaac s personal feelings. Genesis 27:33 shows that when Isaac realized he had blessed the wrong person, he trembled exceedingly. Yet he did not seek to correct the mistake, trusting that God s will would be done at the future time. Faith is exemplified by Isaac s willingness to stick to an unconventional and unpopular decision that went against his own personal desires in order to align himself with the promises of God and the will of God that would be realized at a future time. God s sovereignty is demonstrated in concert with Isaac s faith. God choose to work contrary to normal Jewish custom and orchestrated the circumstances to fit His desire. This showed that God s promises are dependent on God s desire, not mankind s performance or physical position as stated in Romans 9:9-14. Consider how God makes this reality further known in the scriptures. Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base

35 things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God- - and righteousness and sanctification and redemption- - that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD." God chooses people in spite of what would be considered the popular choice. God chooses people in spite of mankind s credentials and status. God does so in order to glorify Himself, which is the exact way that the New Covenant works. God choose to provide salvation, not to performers or hard workers, but to those who believe in and trust in the unorthodox manner that God provided salvation through the once- for- all death of His only begotten Son. This way, no human being can boast in regards to salvation since God does all of the work. Jacob s Blessing By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff This reference to the faith of Jacob is first mentioned in Genesis chapter 48. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 48: Then Israel saw Joseph's sons, and said, "Who [are] these?" And Joseph said to his father, "They [are] my sons, whom God has given me in this [place]." And he said, "Please bring them to me, and I will bless them." Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, [so that] he could not see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. And Israel said to Joseph, "I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God has also shown me your offspring!" So Joseph brought them from beside his knees, and he bowed down with his face to the earth. And Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh with his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought [them] near him. Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid [it] on Ephraim's head, who [was] the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh's head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh [was] the firstborn. And he blessed Joseph, and said: "God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has fed me all my life long to this day, The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; let my name be named upon them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth." Now when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took hold of his father's hand to remove it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. And Joseph said to his father, "Not so, my father, for this [one is] the firstborn; put your right hand on his head." But his father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations." So he blessed them that day, saying, "By you Israel will bless, saying, 'May God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!' " And thus he set Ephraim before Manasseh.

36 The testimony reveals that Jacob s blessing in faith was carried out in a similar manner as Isaac s blessing of Jacob. As Joseph brought his two sons to Jacob to be blessed, Jacob having bad sight, knowingly blessed the younger son Ephraim with his right hand and the older son Manasseh with his left. In that the right hand was placed on Ephraim was a sign that he was receiving a higher blessing. Joseph tried to correct the hand position by putting Manasseh under Jacob s right hand, but Jacob would not allow it. Assuming that God had divinely arranged the sons in the manner that He did, Jacob blessed the sons in the order in which the younger son was given the higher honor. Jacob trusted in the unconventional and untraditional method of God rather than the traditions of men. God again showed that He blesses according to His will rather than mankind s performance or position. Ephraim was blessed not because of sacrifice or effort, but because God willed it to be so. Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 1:4 - Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love Joseph s Faith By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones Joseph s faith is presented in a subtle yet powerful manner. After Jacob blessed Joseph s sons, Jacob promised Joseph that God would fulfill His promise to bring all his sons back into the land of Canaan. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 48:21 - Then Israel said to Joseph, Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers. Later when Joseph was dying, he asked that his bones be carried back into the Promised Land. Supporting Scripture: Genesis 50: And Joseph said to his brethren, "I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here." So Joseph died, [being] one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. Though the children of Israel were living freely in Egypt at the time of Joseph, he trusted in the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; that their descendants would dwell in Canaan. Even though Joseph died in Egypt and was buried in a coffin in Egypt, he made an oath with the children of Israel that his bones be carried back into the Promised Land. Joseph believed that God would take the children of Israel back into Canaan. The children of Israel remained in Egypt for 430 years while in bondage to Egypt after Joseph s death. Yet Joseph trusted so much in the promises of God that he made an oath be sworn that his bones be taken back into Canaan. He knew that they would go back. 430 years later, the Book of Exodus shows Moses taking the children of Israel out of Egypt and beginning the efforts to take them into

37 the Promised Land. He also took the bones of Joseph with him showing Joseph s faith was not in vain. God indeed brought Joseph back into the land. Supporting Scripture: Exodus 13:19 - And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had placed the children of Israel under solemn oath, saying, God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you. Joseph believed so strongly in the promises of God that his last dying request was that he desired his bones to be taken into the Promised Land that he believed God would take the rest of the children of Israel into at a later time. The author of Hebrews mentions this testimony to show that even upon death, Joseph trusted in the Word of God and His promises concerning the future. Though Joseph would not physically go back to Canaan while alive, Joseph looked ahead into eternity and considered God s promises to be valid even after death. This is the type of focus and faith the author of Hebrews was seeking to encourage the Jews into. The Faith Of Moses Scripture: Hebrews 11: 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. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned. The Faith Of Moses Parents 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 The testimony of Moses is one of the greatest demonstrations of faith in the entire Bible. The Jews revere him in their history, not just as the Lawgiver, but also because of the faith that was required to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, receive and then distribute the Law. However, the scriptures suggest that such faith may have been taught to Moses since the faith of his parents is first highlighted. Recall that Hebrews 5:12 stated God s expectation for His people to be teachers of His characters and righteousness. God later repeated those things in the Law, but the parents of Moses seemed to have already had an understanding of God s desire much in the same way Abel had an understanding of the proper sacrifice in Genesis chapter 4. There is not much that is said of Moses parents, but their brief testimony

38 reveals that saving faith requires courage under duress and challenging circumstances. The testimony of Moses parents begins in Exodus chapter 1 though they are not mentioned by name. Supporting Scripture: Exodus 1: Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, "Look, the people of the children of Israel [are] more and mightier than we; "come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and [so] go up out of the land." Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel. So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage- - in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which they made them serve [was] with rigor. Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of one [was] Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah; and he said, "When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see [them] on the birthstools, if it [is] a son, then you shall kill him; but if it [is] a daughter, then she shall live." But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive. So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, "Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?" And the midwives said to Pharaoh, "Because the Hebrew women [are] not like the Egyptian women; for they [are] lively and give birth before the midwives come to them." Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty. And so it was, because the midwives feared God that He provided households for them. So Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, "Every son who is born you shall cast into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive." The scriptures show that the Egyptians feared the children of Israel so that they desired to control the population by killing the male children. The scriptures testify that God protected His children so that the Hebrew midwives were not willing to obey the edict of Pharaoh, but instead did as God desired. For this reason, God blessed those women and their families. This was noticeable to both the children of Israel and the Egyptians so that Pharaoh declared a new edict to drown the male children of Israel in the Nile River. Thus, God proved Himself willing to protect His people in spite of the difficult circumstances that His people faced. Understanding this truth, examine the testimony of Moses parents. Supporting Scripture: Exodus 2:1-4 - And a man of the house of Levi went and took [as wife] a daughter of Levi. So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he [was] a beautiful [child], she hid him three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid [it] in the reeds by

39 the river's bank. And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him. The author of Hebrews commends the actions of Moses parents as documented in Exodus 2:1-4. The scriptures show that Moses parents were both Levites. Their names were Amram and Jochebed (Exodus 6:20). Amram was the son of Kohath, of the tribe of Levi. Amram and Jochebed also gave birth to another son three years before Moses, whose name was Aaron, who would become the high priest. Thus, the parents of Moses demonstrated faith in more instances than with Moses. The scriptures testify that Amram and Jochebed gave birth to Aaron and their sister, and likely faced similar dangerous circumstances with Aaron 3 years previous. The scriptures show that as Jochebed gave birth to Moses, she saw beauty in him and hid him for three months in rebellion against Pharaoh s edict. The law stated that her child was to be killed in the Nile River. However, having seen God take care of His children prior, Hebrews chapter 11 illustrates that Moses parents trusted that God would continue to protect His children, so they hid Moses. The parents of Moses examined the past work of God, trusted in His faithfulness to His people, and made a decision that reflected their hope in God s protection and provision. Therefore, when the child was too old to hide in their home, they hid him in the reeds daily, sending their daughter to check on him. The scriptures specifically state that Jochebed placed Moses in an ark. The scriptures often use the word ark to refer to a vessel that contains the promises of God. Noah built an ark to save himself and his family from the flood so that the ark became a vessel of God s promise to offer salvation from the wages of sin. The children of Israel build the Ark of the Covenant, which housed manna bread, Aaron s rod, and the stone tablets of the Law, which were all symbols of God s work and promises to care of His children. Both of these vessels conceptually represent Jesus as the Messiah as well. Hence, as Moses was placed in the ark, there is a picture painted that shows Moses being placed in a vessel containing God s promises. Knowing that Moses would later become the man God used to deliver His children from bondage and then give the Law, the picture of Moses being placed in the ark representing God s protective vessel to fulfill His promises becomes fitting. One must also consider the difficulty that comes with such work to place Moses in the ark from the perspective of his parents. Jochebed had to trust that God would provide for the nourishment of Moses. Jochebed had to trust that God would protect Moses from the elements of nature beside the Nile River. Jochebed had to trust that God would sustain Moses long enough until the next part of the plan, likely not knowing what the next part of the plan would be. What would happen when Moses became a toddler? What would happen when Moses became too old to hide? What would they do then?

40 While these were reasonable concerns then, they took each day, one at a time, and examined God s history, trusting that He doesn t change, and relied on His faithfulness to Himself. The scriptures reveal that God rewarded such faith. Supporting Scripture: Exodus 2:5-9 - Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it. And when she opened [it], she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, "This is one of the Hebrews' children." Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?" And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Go." So the maiden went and called the child's mother. Then Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give [you] your wages." So the woman took the child and nursed him. The scriptures show that God proved Himself to be faithful so that the trust Moses parents placed in God s own faithfulness was not in vain. They trusted that God would continue to protect His children. They were correct. God honored the faith of Moses parents to the extent that they were paid by Pharaoh to take care of their own son. Rather than Moses being killed, God made it so that Egypt sponsored the development of the child that God would use to deliver Israel. God overwhelmingly rewarded the faith of Moses parents by ensuring the life of Moses, brining Moses back home, and financially providing for the family. Though the faith of Moses parents required sacrifice to an extent, it was the trust in God that Moses parents had that caused them to sacrifice. As Abraham was willing to give up his son Isaac, the scriptures showed that he was entrusting Isaac into God s hands, assuming God would raise him from the dead if necessary. In the same way, Moses parents were entrusting Moses into the hands of God. Faith came before sacrifice. Faith caused Moses parents to rebel against the wicked desires of men in order to be obedient to God s desire. Supporting Scripture: Acts 5:29 - But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: We ought to obey God rather than men. Though the scriptures never show God verbally communicating His expectation to the children of Israel to deny the commands of Pharaoh, the understanding of God that Moses parents had caused them to respond in faith in a manner that pleased God. Refusing Egyptian Comfort By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible

41 In order to understand the extent of Moses faith that the scriptures reference, it is helpful to make use of the details that scripture provides and connect the contents of the Bible with history. The scriptures state that the basis of Moses faith stemmed from the relationship Moses had with Pharaoh s daughter. The opportunity that was presented to Moses is more clearly understood upon understanding the identity of Pharaoh s daughter. Examine the details of scripture. In order to identify Pharaoh s daughter, one must assign a time period to Exodus chapter 2. Supporting Scripture: 1 Kings 6:1 - And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD. Secular history and archeology confirm that King Solomon reigned in 966 BC. Thus, if one considers the 480 years that is mentioned in 1 Kings 6:1, the time of the Exodus was 1,446 BC. Supporting Scripture: Exodus 7:7 - And Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty- three years old when they spoke to Pharaoh. Understanding this detail, one must simply add 80 years to the time of 1,446 BC to know who was Pharaoh when Moses was born. Secular history confirms that Thutmoses I was Pharaoh in 1,526 BC. The daughter of Thutmoses I was Hatshepsut. This is important to consider as one examines Moses faith as presented in Hebrews 11: Archeologists confirm that she ruled between Thutmose II and Thutmose III. It is said that she was one of the most successful rulers in Egypt. She was able to establish great trading relationships, sponsor great building projects, all of which would have caused Egypt to be in a tremendous state of wealth before and after her reign. Her funerary temple that was uncovered in Luxor, Egypt (in the Valley of the Kings and Queens) confirms that Egypt was in a tremendous state of influence and wealth, and likely the most powerful of the entire world at that time. Thus, when the scriptures provide the details regarding Moses faith deciding to side with the Jews rather than Egypt, this decision shows that faith absolutely demands one s priorities be fixed on heaven with an eternal perspective that reflects an understanding of eternal value. Consider the details of Moses faith. Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh s daughter. History shows that Hatshepsut became Egypt s ruler for quite some time and built upon the riches that already existed when her father was in rule. Thus, as the son of Pharaoh s daughter, Moses would have eventually be the heir to Pharaoh herself since Hatshepsut became Pharaoh after her father. Consider the scriptures and Hatshepsut s affection for Moses. Supporting Scripture: Exodus 2:5-6 - Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it. And when

42 she opened [it], she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, "This is one of the Hebrews' children." History shows that the Egyptians felt the Nile River was a god of sorts in its own right, and as such was the most superior of gods since it was the driving influence of life in Egypt. Therefore, in the mind of an Egyptian, Moses being found in the Nile would have been an act of divine intervention, and such is why Moses, though a Jew, was accepted into Egyptian culture. Nevertheless, Moses would not identify himself with Egypt. In spite of the position, opportunity, and promise that would have come his way, Moses denied the Egyptian people. Instead, the scriptures show that Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God. Even though his decision resulted in suffering, Moses chose to align himself with the people of God, trusting that God s people were in a more favorable position, regardless of how circumstances may have appeared. Moses considered that affiliation with Egypt was equal to passing pleasures of sin. Moses made the choice to suffer affliction for a time rather than enjoy sin for a season that would pass and result in eternal separation from God. Moses rejected the treasures in Egypt. Since Moses rejected his position in Egypt, he also rejected the treasures that came with that position. Moses was in a position in Egypt that would have allowed him to have anything he wanted. All of the world s treasures were in Egypt at that time, yet Moses turned them down. The scriptures show that Moses denied those earthly treasures because he figured the reproach of Christ was greater in value, even though such value could only be possessed at a future time. Hebrews 11:26 reveals that Moses was willing to live as Christ.

43 Supporting Scripture: Matthew 8:20 - And Jesus said to him, Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. Though Jesus came into the world that He created, He forfeited His position as Creator, as well as certain comforts of this life in order to accomplish the mission of salvation. In the same way, Moses showed the same resolve for a heavenly and eternal focus by denying many fleshly comforts he was entitled to, in order to receive a greater heavenly reward at a later time. Supporting Scripture: Matthew 10:39 - He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. Moses rejected fear of men. The scriptures show that as Moses forsook the opportunities of fame, wealth and influence in Egypt, he did so without fear of the consequence that men might seek. Hebrews 11:27 shows that Moses left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king. This is not in reference to the first time Moses left Egypt to flee to Midian. At that time, the scriptures are clear to explain that Moses left from fear. This departure is a reference to the second time Moses left since Hebrews 11:27 states that Moses forsook Egypt, which speaks of Moses failure to return. This is in reference to the Exodus when Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt once and for all. When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, he did so without fear of consequence of what Pharaoh might try to do next. Moses was not concerned about possible response of revenge from Pharaoh. In the mind of Moses, he too had examined God s work and trusted in God s faithfulness to complete His work to take Israel into the Promised Land. Moses trusted in God s willingness and ability to protect His children, just as God protected him, and made no provision for fear of what men might do. Thus, Moses took the children of Israel out of Egypt with confidence in God to fulfill His promises. Moses faith, like his parents, was rooted in his understanding of God, acknowledging His past works, trusting in God s faithfulness to Himself, and relying on God s own ability to fulfill His promises. Acknowledging God s Past Work + Knowing God s Faithfulness = Confidence In God s Future Work

44 Though God was invisible, and Pharaoh s army was very visible, Moses trusted in God based on his knowledge and understanding of who God was, which was based on what he learned from his parents and through the work he acknowledged God did in his life. Faith In The Passover By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them This portion of scripture reveals that the faith of Moses was not short lived, and it was motivated by his personal interactions with the Messiah Himself. First, the author of Hebrews states that Moses faith was demonstrated in the keeping of the Passover. However, upon examining the Greek language, one finds that this was not a one- time affair. The Greek language presents the phrase, kept the Passover in a perfect tense, which implies that it was a continual practice. The command of God when He gave the provision for the Passover confirms this. Supporting Scripture: Exodus 12:14 - So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance. The scriptures show that Moses was obedient to the command of God, not just on the night of the first Passover as one emotionally caught up in circumstantial excitement, but continued to demonstrate faith by continually obeying the Passover. Moses faith was not short- lived once the children of Israel were removed from Egypt. His faith is stated to be enduring through continued obedience to God s commands, throughout the course of his life. The author of Hebrews also references the reason that Moses was motivated to continue in his faith. Moses met with the Messiah Himself on occasion, and his understanding of Messiah s identity was the cause of his faith. Consider the scriptures: Supporting Scripture: Exodus 3:1-6 - Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father- in- law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush [was] not consumed. The scriptures reveal that it was the Angel of the Lord that appeared to Moses in the burning bush. Supporting Scripture: Exodus 3:3-4 - Then Moses said, "I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn." So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Though the scriptures first stated that the Angel of the Lord appeared in the burning bush, the next portion of scripture shows that it was God who was in the midst of

45 the bush. In this way, the Angel of the Lord is being made equal to God, showing that the Angel of the Lord is God. Supporting Scripture: Exodus 3:5-6 - Then He said, "Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand [is] holy ground." Moreover He said, "I [am] the God of your father- - the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. The scriptures confirm that it was indeed God who spoke from the burning bush since He confirms His identity as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The scriptures reveal that the Angel of the Lord is a Christophony (Old Testament appearance of Jesus Christ). The Angel of the Lord is seen to have the authority of God to repeat the promises of God and swear by Himself to Abraham in Genesis chapter 22. The Angel of the Lord is seen to have a human form as an instrument of God s wrath against Balaam in Numbers chapter 24. The Angel of the Lord appeared in human form again in Judges chapter 6 to reveal Himself to Gideon, who later confessed that He had seen God. Again, the Angel of the Lord appeared to the parents of Samson in Judges chapter 13 in a human form, and they later confessed that they had seen God. The only figure to appear in human form and be called equal with God in the scriptures is none other than Jesus Christ. In the same way the Bible refers to the Angel of the Lord as God, the scriptures also refer to the Destroyer to show that He who destroyed the firstborn was the Messiah also. Supporting Scripture: Exodus 12:23 - For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you. The scriptures show that it would be the Lord God who would pass through Egypt on Passover. God Himself would determine Jew from Egyptian and bring judgment upon those who were not identified by blood. Thus, the Destroyer that killed the firstborn of the Egyptians was the Lord Himself, who is the Messiah. It was the Messiah that executed the judgment of God upon the Egyptians just like it is the Messiah who executed the wrath of God against sin, and will soon do so against the devil. Thus, Moses was motivated to keep the Passover, in the same way that others feared God. Moses knew that Messiah was faithful to His word to bless and to destroy. Therefore, Moses was sure to keep the command of the Sabbath, lest he disobey the Messiah, offend His provision, and suffer His wrath as the Egyptians who would not believe and obey much like Noah. Crossing The Red Sea By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned The scriptures finally conclude the faith of Moses by testifying of his faith to trust in the work that God can accomplish. Since Moses did not demonstrate fear of Pharaoh,

46 he led the children of Israel towards the Promised Land until the armies of Pharaoh had pinned the children of Israel against the Red Sea. Examine the scriptures: Supporting Scripture: Exodus 14: And the LORD said to Moses, "Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. "But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry [ground] through the midst of the sea. "And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. "Then the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen." And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness [to the one], and it gave light by night [to the other], so that the one did not come near the other all that night. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry [land], and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry [ground], and the waters [were] a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. Now it came to pass, in the morning watch, that the LORD looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians. And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the LORD fights for them against the Egyptians." Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen." And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, [and] all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained. But the children of Israel had walked on dry [land] in the midst of the sea, and the waters [were] a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. So the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Thus Israel saw the great work, which the LORD had done in Egypt; so the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD and His servant Moses.

47 The scriptures show that God commanded Moses to do things that were completely irrational concerning normal human logic. Moses was to lift his staff and the water of the Red Sea was to part. Moses did so in faith, trusting in the power of God to remove the waters from their path. Moses was to follow the pillar of fire that led them across dry land, which is also described as the Angel of God (synonymous with the Angel of the Lord, which is Jesus Christ). Moses did so in faith, trusting in God to lead them down a safe path in the midst of two massive walls of water, and that this would be the manner of escape from the Egyptians. Moses was to walk on dry land across one side of the Red Sea to the other. Moses did so in faith, trusting in God s power to keep the waters up long enough for all of the children of Israel to pass through. Moses was to lift his staff again to cause the waters of the Red Sea to crash down on the Egyptians. Moses did so in faith, trusting that God would finally bring total judgment on the nation that had oppressed His people for 430 years. The testimony of the Moses leading the children of Israel across the Red Sea shows that Moses trusted in the ability of God to provide protection in order to fulfill His promises. God promised that the children of Israel would dwell in the land of Canaan, not die by the hands of the Egyptians. Therefore, no matter how unorthodox God s commands might have been, Moses trusted in God s Word based on God s own faithfulness to Himself to fulfill the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Faith In Jericho Scripture: Hebrews 11: By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. Trust In Unorthodox Works By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days Up to this point in the chapter, the author of Hebrews has defined faith by providing examples of historical testimonies of faith. Each instance of faith has demonstrated a person s trust in the unusual works of the Living God. Abel displayed faith is sacrificing the first born of his flock as a peace offering to God even though no command had been given to do so. Noah displayed faith by building a vessel to protect him and his family from a flood, which had never happened before. Abraham displayed faith by leaving familiar surroundings to dwell in tents in a foreign land, and offered up the heir of God s promises up as a burnt offering. Sarah trusted in God that she would give birth at 90 years old. Isaac and Jacob both trusted in God by going against tradition and blessing the younger sons rather than the oldest. The parents of Moses trusted in God by defying the ruling authorities. Moses demonstrated faith by rejecting the riches of Egypt to embrace the challenges associated with God s will. Each of these instances shows a person trusting, not in

48 circumstances, but the God who is in charge of circumstances. The testimony of the fall of Jericho is a demonstration of the same thing. Supporting Scripture: Joshua 6:1-2 - Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in. And the LORD said to Joshua: "See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, [and] the mighty men of valor. As the testimony of Jericho begins, the Bible presents an interesting contrast. The testimony begins by describing the physical presence of Jericho. The city is described as well secured. The extent of security of the city is such that the scriptures testify that no one from the city went out of the city, and no one was allowed to come in. The reason for such intense high- level paranoia is because the people of Jericho had heard about the work God was doing for the children of Israel and they were afraid. Thus, the extent of security was such that the people of Jericho were trying to protect themselves against the work of God in their minds. Thus, from the perspective of people, the walls of Jericho would have likely seemed impenetrable. In contrast, the scriptures show the perspective of God, the city had already been given over to the children of Israel. Notice the tense in which God had spoken to Joshua. Supporting Scripture: Joshua 6:2 - And the LORD said to Joshua: See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. Though the walls of Jericho appeared from a physical perspective to be secured, God had considered Jericho already defeated. From the perspective of God, He saw into the future, that Jericho was defeated, though He had not yet completed the work to destroy Jericho. God referred to a future work that had yet to be completed as though it had been completed because of His own faithfulness and the certainty of His ability to complete the work. Supporting Scripture: Joshua 6:3-5 - "You shall march around the city, all [you] men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. "And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. "It shall come to pass, when they make a long [blast] with the ram's horn, [and] when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him." The scriptures detail the plan according to God s will in great lengths. The plan simply requires the children of Israel to march around the city for a week, blow their trumpets, and shout. Though the plan is simple in concept, it must have been difficult to receive since it does not represent normal combat rationale. When one seeks to destroy a wall, one will typically employ destructive techniques using the appropriate destructive tools and processes. However, God s instruction does not

49 follow the guidelines and normal processes of human reason. Instead, God promised that marching; playing trumpets, and shouting would bring down the secure walls of Jericho. One must be careful to understand the truth marching and shouting would not cause the walls to fall. It is the Living God who parted the Red Sea and the Jordan River that would cause the walls to fall. God intentionally gave unusual commands in order to prove that human effort would not accomplish His will. No matter how many times a group of people might march around a building, basic human reasoning, sense, and logic speaks truthfully to state that the structure will never fall. Yet God commanded these unorthodox practices to spite human reasoning and provide opportunity for faith. Supporting Scripture: Joshua 6: Then Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD." And he said to the people, "Proceed, and march around the city, and let him who is armed advance before the ark of the LORD." So it was, when Joshua had spoken to the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the LORD advanced and blew the trumpets, and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them. The armed men went before the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard came after the ark, while [the priests] continued blowing the trumpets. Now Joshua had commanded the people, saying, "You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I say to you, 'Shout!' Then you shall shout." So he had the ark of the LORD circle the city, going around [it] once. Then they came into the camp and lodged in the camp. And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD. Then seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually and blew with the trumpets. And the armed men went before them. But the rear guard came after the ark of the LORD, while [the priests] continued blowing the trumpets. And the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. So they did six days. But it came to pass on the seventh day that they rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched around the city seven times in the same manner. On that day only they marched around the city seven times. And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: "Shout, for the LORD has given you the city! "Now the city shall be doomed by the LORD to destruction, it and all who [are] in it. Only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all who [are] with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. "And you, by all means abstain from the accursed things, lest you become accursed when you take of the accursed things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. "But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, [are] consecrated to the LORD; they shall come into the treasury of the LORD." So the people shouted when [the priests] blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

50 The scriptures are clear to show that the people in faith did exactly as the Lord had commanded. Though the process for victory seemed different than normal human logic, they obeyed, trusting in God s work behind the circumstances, and not the work itself. Joshua and his men did not trust in the work, but the God behind the work. Though the instruction might have seemed foolish, the children of Israel adopted foolishness for the sake of obedience, and God produced the results that He previously promised. Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:21 - For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. Consider Joshua s certainty in the Lord s willingness and ability to fulfill His promise. Supporting Scripture: Joshua 6:16 - And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: Shout, for the LORD has given you the city! Notice that the scriptures do not account for any doubt within the speech of Joshua. As Joshua commanded the people to shout, he did so trusting that the city was indeed theirs to take. Though the walls still stood, Joshua trusted in the Word of God as previously spoken, that Jericho was theirs to take. Like the heroes of faith before him, Joshua trusted in the previous work of God to fulfill His promises. Since God had proved Himself faithful to remove Israel from Egypt, part the Red Sea, provide food and water in the wilderness, and then part the Jordan River, Joshua trusted in God s work to provide Jericho in victory. It is also important to consider that the faith of Joshua required Joshua to have an understanding of God s timing as well. It is not just that Joshua trusted that God would perform His work, but that it would happen in God s time. God s time required 6 days of waiting time. God s time required patient waiting and obedience. God s time was honored as Joshua emphasized the silence of the warriors for 6 days until it was time to shout after the trumpets on the 7th day. Joshua endured the week of obedience and followed the strict commands of God, trusting that God would be faithful to provide victory. Thus faith is described again as requiring trust in God s unusual and unorthodox methods against the wisdom and conventional logic and reason of the human mind. Faith requires one to trust, not in the work one does, but in the God who provides behind the work that is performed. Faith requires one to endure in obedience until God s time is ripe.