The Christology of Hebrews 11: Faith is The Basis of All That I Hope For

Dear Diary,

In the preceding chapter the author closed with a call to persevere in faith. In this chapter he unfolds rich thoughts on faith.

Meaning, Features and the Nature of faith, v. 1-3

1. Faith is central to Christianity. As I schemed through some bible verse that talk about faith, it is used in varied contexts:

a.       A conviction as in Heb 11:1; 2 Cor 5:7. In the Christology of Hebrews 11, Faith (Greek word pistis) is the assurance or conviction of things hoped for, a present and a continuing reality, v.1a.

b.      A behaviour inspired by complete surrender to God as in Heb 13:7;

c.       A trustworthiness as in 1 Cor 4:2; Matt 24:45; 1 Cor 15:14, 17

d.      A system of doctrine, creed or body of truth as in James 2:14-16; Jude 3; Gal 1:23

2. Faith is the basis of all that we hope for, v. 1a.
3. Faith extends beyond what we can perceive with our five senses. It is the basis by which we proof things immaterial, v.1b.
4. Faith gives us a sure conviction that creation originated with God, v. 3.
5. Faith gives us a sure conviction about the existence of God and His moral character-as God who faithful to reward His seekers, v.6

Faith is universal- it was and is manifested in people who lived before and after the Flood, v.4-38.

Ø  As this chapter unfolds, we see that the ancient fathers had witness borne to them on account of their compelling and consistent faith. The reason for their success was based on their faith.

Consequences of faith

Ø  By Faith:

ü  Abel offered a better sacrifice, v.4.

ü  Enoch pleased God. Certainly, without faith it is impossible to please God. Here two things are basic: one, the worshipper MUST believe that God exists. Without this there is no possibility of faith. Two, the worshipper MUST have a conviction that God has a moral character, He is faithful and rewards those who earnestly seek Him, v. 5-6;

ü  In response to a warning concerning things not seen, Noah was motivated by faith to build an Ark even when there was no indication of the imminent flood. Popular public opinion and available meteorological evidence didn’t stop him to act on God’s command, v. 7. His faith preserved his entire household and was in right standing with God.

ü  Abraham promptly obeyed and went even though he didn’t know where he was going, v.8; Gen 12:1. Certainly to leave the certainty and comfort you know to go out into the unknown only relying on God’s word is an essence of faith. Paradoxically, he accepted God’s promises and acted on them-he made his home in the Promised Land, v.9.  He also had a forward look to the eternal city with permanent foundations whose architect and builder is God, v. 10. Even though there was no visible indication the promise of a son would ever be fulfilled, Abraham and Sarah, an aged couple, lacking in physical ability to cause birth. Abraham had unwavering faith in the promise-keeper, v. 11. Verse 12 introduces the inevitable consequence of that faith. God promised, Abraham believed and so numerous descendants came from him. Wow! God demanded that he sacrifice his son Isaac, v.17. Interestingly faith preached to him that God would work it out, he offered Isaac as a sacrifice. Really? Yes! Well, Abraham was ready in will and purpose to offer the required sacrifice; he withheld nothing, Gen 22:5.

ü  At near death, the patriarchs’ faith looked beyond physical death. It undergirded the patriarchs’ blessings: Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future in accordance with God’s purposes, v. 20; Gen 27:27-29, 39-40; Jacob blessed Joseph’s sons, v.21; Joseph spoke about the exodus and gave instructions about his bones, v. 22; Gen 50:24-25; Ex. 13:19. He had a conviction that Canaan was the Land for God’s people.

ü  Against the kings edict to have all male boys below 2yrs killed, Ex. 1:22, Moses’s Parents hid him because they saw he was no ordinary kid. Rather than fearing Pharaoh, they put their faith in God, v. 23; Ex 2:2-3.

ü  When Moses became a grown man, he refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, v. 24. He gave up great privileges, comfort and prestige and readily accepted oppression with God’s people instead of pleasures and treasures he could find in the king’s court, v. 25. His faith emerged triumphantly, he saw Him who is invisible, v.27. By faith he established the Passover and the result is that the destroyer passed over the Israelites, v. 28.

ü  Israelites followed Moses through Red Sea, v. 29; Ex. 14:14, 21. Certainly, it is faith that enabled people to respond to God’s doing not courage. The Egyptians courageously attempted to cross but drowned.

ü  The power of faith felled the walls of Jericho, v. 20; Josh 6:1-21. The acted on the conviction that God was in control; they went round the city once a day for six days and then seven times on the seventh day and you know, the walls came tumbling down.

ü  This hall of faith closes with an outcast Gentile woman who had a decisive conviction; she put her life on the line by welcoming spies, v. 31.

ü  Certainly it’d take volumes of books to write about other champions of faith, the likes of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets. All these men and women of faith battled vast odds and set worth example for us.  Through faith, here are other broad results of believers’ faith namely: conquered kingdoms, administration of justice, fulfilled promises, divine intervention and deliverances from lions, furry of flames, edge of sword; others had their weakness turned to strength, became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies; the dead were raised to life. Those who were tortured, jeered, imprisoned, persecuted, martyred for their faith refused to give up their faith.

The Promise

Ø  All these preceding men and women were commended for their faith. God made the promise to them, but by the time they died none had received the promise God. Note that God made many promises which He kept. The promise referred here is Jesus the ultimate fullness of the blessing so that together with those who have gone ahead of us would be made perfect, v.40.

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Application

Ø  He above successes are understandable. Jesus came and opened the way to the very presence of God. He is the ultimate promise, persevere in your faith. Look forward to the country, the eternal city-heaven.

Regards

NzakuNashipae