Our writer now turns our attention to those of Biblical History who walked by agreement with GOD known as being in faith, as documented by their triumphs accomplished by doing so. In the Hebrews chapter on faiths walking his promises out daily.
Hebrews 11:1-7 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith (in Genesis 1) we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel (in Genesis 4:4) offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch (in Genesis 5:21-24) was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah (in Genesis 6:13-22) being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." (KJV)
Hebrews 11:1-7 "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith (in Genesis 1) we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel (in Genesis 4:4) offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch (in Genesis 5:21-24) was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah (in Genesis 6:13-22), being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith." (ESV)
Hebrews 11:1-7 "Persuasion confirms confident expectation and proves the unseen force of the world to be more real than the seen. Faith celebrates as certain what hope visualizes as future. (The shadow no longer substitutes the substance. Jesus is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of everything the Prophets foretold. The unveiling of Christ in human life completes humanity's every expectation. Colossians 1:27) People of previous generations received the testimony of their hope in faith. It was faith that made their hope tangible. (Only the Messiah can give substance to the Messianic hope. No substitute will suffice!) Faith alone explains what is not apparent to the natural eye; how the age were perfectly framed by the Word of GOD. Now we understand that everything visible has its origin in the invisible (Genesis 1). It was faith that made the difference between the sacrifices of Abel (in Genesis 4:4) and Cain, and confirmed Abel's righteousness. GOD bore witness to righteousness as a gift rather than a reward! Even though he was murdered, his faith continues to be a most relevant prophetic voice. (Hebrews 12:24) Enoch (in Genesis 5:21-24) enjoyed GOD'S grace by faith, in spite of Adam's fall; he proved that faith defeats death. (His absent body prophesied the resurrection of Christ; faith does not die!) There is no substitute [1]reward for faith. Faith's return exceeds any other sense of achievement. Faith knows that GOD "Is"; Those who desire to respond to his invitation to draw near, realize by faith that he is life's most perfect gift. (If he is the desired one then no substitute will suffice. Jesus Christ defines GOD'S Faith; he is Emmanuel (G1694 from H6005 ‛immânû'êl, from H5973 im, in conjunction with, and H410 el, the almighty). He is the substance and evidence of all that GOD believes. Jesus is what GOD believes. The word translated "reward" is the word [1, G3406 from G3409 and G591 ] misthapodotes. This word is only used once in the Bible and is an interesting combination of two words, (G3409) misthoo, a wage and (G591) apodidomi, to give away; righteousness is revealed by faith as a gift and not as a reward for keeping faith pleases GOD, not good or bad behavior.) Noah (in Genesis 6:13-22) received Divine instruction to save his household from judgment; faith promopted his to construct the Ark immediately, long before the rains were evidenced. His faith demonstrated the difference between judgment and justification." (The Mirror, with editing)
May we all learn the lessons of faith.
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