Examples of Faith - Roll Call of the Faithful
By Keith Greer

Chapter 11 is probably the best-known chapter in the book of Hebrews. It has often been referred to as "The Faith Hall of Fame". The entire chapter is about Bible faith. It defines faith -- an unwavering trust and confidence in God's ways, whether or not we understand them -- then shows faith exemplified in the lives of men and women of old.

Remember the book's purpose -- to encourage the Hebrew Christians not to forsake their faith in Christ and revert back to the old Mosaic system of the first covenant. Hebrews presents, as proof that continuing with Christ is far superior to taking a step back into the past, the examples of those who endured the trials of the past.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." {Hebrews 11:1} Let us use the Creation as an example. Were you there when God said: "Let there be light"...? Is there anyone alive who can verify the Creation account? Because we see the evidence all around us (Psalm 19:1), we believe that God did create. Man could never come, through science or observation, to know about creation. We trust the accuracy of the Biblical record, and because it is God's record, it gives sufficient evidence to inspire our belief in Him. This is the nature of faith. The author reinforces his point with a series of illustrations:

Faith BEFORE the Patriarchs.

Faith AMONG the Patriarchs.

Faith AFTER the Patriarchs.

Other examples of faith. Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the Prophets -- "And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions." {Hebrews 11:32-33} The stories of old tell us how these men, through their obedience to God's commands, set great examples of faith.

How strong was that faith? "Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again..." {Hebrews 11:34,35} These, in hope of obtaining the promises they sought, were willing to fight against those who opposed God, to risk all to subdue kingdoms, thus working God's righteousness before men.

What did they endure for God's sake? "...Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented -- of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth." {Hebrews 11:35-38} Many men and women of old endured much, often losing their lives in the process. They did not complain or waiver in the face of such adversity. In order to finish the course they pursued, they were willing to suffer for the sake of righteousness, and unwilling to accept deliverance.

What did they expect for their trouble? "And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us." {Hebrews 11:39,40} They received a good report, but they did not receive the promises during their lifetimes. These promises were reserved for another people in another age. Why then did the faithful endure these trials and tribulations? They believed God would keep His promises, and that was enough to inspire them to remain faithful to His cause. These never received the blessings or promises -- but we who are privileged to live in this age received both the promises and the kingdom, His church. And they will too.

Why would anyone, after becoming God's child, go back to the world. "For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them." {2 Peter 2:20,21} Back-pedaling was unprofitable then; and the same is true today. Faithful service to God will always be rewarded -- no matter the time period during which one lives. Dear reader, do you have a working, Bible faith in God?