September 3, 2021

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.  Romans 8:24-25

The great “hall of fame” of the faithful in Hebrews chapter 11 is filled with declarations of hope, which sprang from the faith of these beloved brethren. “Beloved” is used in the present tense, for they were unappreciated among their peers for believing and sharing God’s truth, foreshadowing the end times of earth’s history.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  Hebrews 11:13

From the dawn of history, Adam and Eve were grateful for the forgiveness and hope that the LORD provided as He taught of the Savior to come. They taught their children of the merit of the “blood of the lamb” which pointed to the “Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world.”

By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.  Hebrews 11:4

At the end of the “hall of fame” chapter, we see that those great heroes and heroines of the faith still have yet to see Jesus. They are asleep and will be resurrected and receive their new, perfect bodies at the end of the age, on that magnificent Day when Jesus comes to gather all of His people to Himself. This is so much better than the "piece meal," theology that has gained ground due to the popular teaching that dead people are alive. The truth is: it will be a grand and glorious parade to the heavenly Jerusalem! Oh, when the saints go marching in, how I want to be in that number !

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

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in Victory.”      1 Corinthians 15:51-54

And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”  Isaiah 25:9

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.  Titus 2:11-13