To Be Named Among the Faithful
The Free Newsletter
How do we describe a person who is faithful?
In Hebrew 11.1, faith is interpreted as a firm persuasion, a belief in the truth of someone or something. As Christians, we also think of faith as reliance upon Christ for salvation.1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11.1 (NASB)
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is often referred to as the Hall of Faith. It provides us with a picture of how the biblical faithful lived. The writer of Hebrews says, “For by [faith] the men of old [the ancients, the fathers, ancestors]2 gained approval [to be well-testified about]”3 (Heb. 11.2).
To be well-testified about…
What a legacy—to live in such a way as to be well-testified about when you’re gone! Friend, is it too fanciful a dream to imagine we might have the opportunity to leave such a testimony behind?
Our daughter recently sent me a link to the book My Mom's Testimony: A Guided Journal for Sharing Her Beautiful Story. She said, “Mom, I really want you to do this and give it to me for my birthday or Christmas.” I said, “It may take me a few years to finish writing it all down, so don’t expect it anytime soon.”
To be honest, my initial thought was, “I’m not sure my testimony can benefit others enough to fill a journal.” But then, here I am, sharing so much of my life online for anyone to read.
Besides, what a gift to be able to share words with my children on how God has saved and kept me and shown me His great love and kindness through the years.
Who Made the Hall of Faith?
The infamous Hebrew’s Hall of Faith shares the testimony of Abel, who offered a better sacrifice than his brother Cain, through which he obtained the testimony of a righteous man (v.4).
We read of Enoch, the faithful one who pleased God. From his story, we learn that without faith it is impossible to please Him (v. 5-6).
There’s Noah, the one who heard God’s request and prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, even though everyone thought he had lost his mind (v. 7).
And Abraham, the spiritual father of all believers, made the Hall of Faith. He obeyed God, and went out, not knowing where he was going (vv. 8-10). What a testimony!
Sarah’s faith in God (who promised she would bear a child in her old age) resulted in her name appearing on the list. It wasn’t only the men who had faith.
Others who were faithful included Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. Even Rahab, the prostitute, made the list for her obedience to God’s plan.
The writer of Hebrews says there was no time or space to adequately record the details of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets. Then he goes on to say that by faith, they conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword… (vv. 32-34). Yes, and amen!
The Bible is rich in history and prophecy and, of course, the gospel. It also holds the stories of faithful ones—those who learned to place their faith in the One True Living God. Their experiences provide valuable lessons for us, still today.
The Triumphs of Faith
In my Bible, there’s a heading that prefaces the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. Instead of The Hall of Faith, it reads The Triumphs of Faith.4 I love these words used to highlight the recounting of those who were faithful to their God.
Their triumph of faith is seen in their obedience. They triumphed in pleasing God and living a righteous life. They fought battles on His behalf, and conquered kingdoms in His name.
Friend, life is not easy. In every generation, we face challenges too many to number. We also have the grand opportunity to live a life of faithfulness and devotion to our God.
Let us determine to be named among the faithful, to the very end.
Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible NASB. © 1984, 1990, 2008 by AMG International, Inc. (see pg. 1630, Hebrews 11.1 keywords)
ibid. (see pg. 2260, entry 4245)
ibid. (see pg. 2218, entry 3140)
ibid. (see pg. 1630, Hebrews 11)