'Heb 11:23-40

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More examples of true faith (Heb 11:23-40)

Moses’ parents had faith to believe that God had chosen their child for a great purpose. Acting on this faith, they risked their own lives to preserve the life of the child (Heb 11:23; cf. Exod 1:22; 2:1-2).

As Moses grew to adulthood, he too exercised faith, in spite of the sacrifice, hardship and danger that it brought. He endured because he was confident of the future reward and he trusted in the unseen God (Heb 11:24-27; cf. Exod 2:10-15).

Through faith the Israelites were protected at the time of the Passover judgment and delivered from the Egyptian army (Heb 11:28-29; cf. Exod 12:1-13; 14:21-31). Through faith they entered the promised land and conquered Jericho. Likewise it was through faith that Rahab was saved when others in Jericho were killed (Heb 11:30-31; cf. Josh 2:1-14; 6:15-25).

The writer finds that there are more examples of victorious and enduring faith than he can list. He selects certain people and achievements from the books of Judges, Samuel, Kings and Daniel to remind his readers of the triumphs of faith (Heb 11:32-34).

People suffered terrible tragedies, extreme hardships and cruel tortures, but they held on in faith. They refused to give in to their persecutors or to forsake their trust in God (Heb 11:35-38).

These people could not receive the promised inheritance until Christ came. By his death he made complete salvation possible, so that God can accept believers as perfect in him. They will enjoy the fulfilment of their faith when believers of all eras are gathered together through Christ, and God reigns in love over all (Heb 11:39-40).