Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
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.
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: GOD having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Heb 11:1,6,39-40)
It reveals Christ to us, slain from the foundation of the world, to pay for the rebellion and sin of all mankind, and redeemed those who surrender to Him on His terms and put their trust in Him through repentance and faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary from their sin, and who is the soon returning Judge and King, who will judge all those who have not believed in Him and rule this earth for a thousand years.
In this faith Hall of Fame, from Abel to Zechariah, The Spirit, through the author, rehearses the faith of those who believed that the Great I AM was their Saviour, the coming Messiah, who would redeem them from their sin, and bring them to Himself. Their acts of faith are an example for us to continue, to not be weary in well doing, but to endure, to persevere, not because we can lose what GOD has given us by His grace, but because of Him who is faithful to us, and will give us not what we deserve, but what He has promised by His mercy and through His Word.
Built upon this foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, He has brought His people into Himself, a body and a building, a living organism, each of us as lively stones fitly placed according to His will, that we might serve Him. We are called to be His priests and ambassadors, as representatives of His Kingdom, with the Word of reconciliation ministering to those around us who are hurting and in need. We are commanded to love others, to love one another as He loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD that we may grow thereby and be conformed to the image of His Son. We are commissioned into His army of witnesses, testifying by faith of the GOD whom we have met, and taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit to all we meet, and as we go where He sends us, proclaiming the Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father through repentance and faith in Him that those who believe might have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet