God’s Discipline and His Church (Hebrews 12:5-17)

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.’ If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons” (Hebrews 12:5-8, NKJV).

The Discipline of the Lord is in Our Best Interests

The biblical quote (vv. 5-6) is from Proverbs 3:11-12 (cf. Rev. 3:19) to illustrate the point. God’s chastening or discipline is a proof of sonship. If he didn’t love us, he wouldn’t be concerned about corrective disciplining and our maturation. It’s not that he necessarily creates difficulties in life, but he apparently allows negative things to happen and uses them for good, even for educational, curative, restorative, and character-building purposes.

“Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:9-11).

Like an earthly father who gains respect through proper disciplining, our heavenly Father’s discipline ought to generate respect and submission. As “the Father of spirits” (cf. Gen. 1:26-27; 2:7; Zech. 12:1; Eccl. 12:7), he is particularly concerned with our spiritual development and wellbeing. Disciplinary measures may seem unpleasant at the time, but the end result is beneficial for all who are cultivated thereby.

Assist One Another as God’s People

“Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled ...” (Hebrews 12:12-14).

“Therefore,” in light of the prospective benefits of God’s discipline, let us show concern for each struggling soul as we “strengthen the weary hands and paralyzed knees” (v. 12b; cf. Isa. 35:3), metaphors for those discouraged and in despair. Such a caring spirit compliments what Jesus is doing as our perfect example of faithfulness in overcoming discouragement.

“Make straight paths for your feet” (v. 13a; cf. Prov. 4:26a LXX), i.e., live honestly and morally and avoid extremes. As we travel life’s difficult journey, we don’t want to veer too far to the left or too far to the right but remain on the straight and narrow path that God illuminates by his word. Our concern is not merely for ourselves. We live faithfully “so that the lame may not be displaced, but healed” (v. 13b). The spiritually strong are to confidently march forward in faith and help bear the weaknesses and burdens of the spiritually weak (cf. Rom 15:1; Gal. 6:1-2).

In addition to caring for each individual soul, we are to show concern for the church collectively (v. 14). As we pursue peace “with all,” contextually the focus here is not necessarily all people universally (incl. non-Christians) but all who are among the addressees, particularly the local Christian community.

The pursuit of peace avoids petty disputes and factions (cf. Matt. 5:9; Rom. 12:18; 14:19). Holiness or sanctification [tón hagiasmón] refers to practical holiness; moral uprightness (cf. 2:11; 10:10, 14, 29; 1 Thess. 4:7). The verb “pursue” indicates that peace and holiness do not come naturally or easily or accidentally but require concerted effort. The exhortation must be taken seriously, because without these things “no one will see the Lord”!

This is also important (12:15-17) so that no one falls short of God’s grace (v. 15a). We ought to make every effort to help keep weak and struggling brethren from falling away (cf. 2 Cor. 6:1; Gal. 5:4), and that no root of bitterness spring up, cause trouble, and defile many (v. 15b; cf. Deut. 29:18): “indifference begets indifference and apostasy begets apostasy” (N. Lightfoot, Jesus Christ Today 235).

Maintain Moral Purity and Holiness

“... lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears” (Hebrews 12:15-17).

Another warning concerns the fornicator or immoral person (v. 16a), as immorality was presumably a problem for at least some of these Christians (cf. 13:4; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9-20). There is no explicit reference in scripture to Esau’s sexual immorality, other than his polygamous marriage to Hittite women (Gen. 26:34-35). But the text here employs the conjunction “or” to distinguish between a “fornicator,” on one hand, and a “profane” or “unholy” person like Esau, on the other. There is no place in the Lord’s church for a profane or irreligious or godless [bébēlos] person like Esau (v. 16b). Esau (cf. 11:20) was not spiritually-minded and he focused on temporal things rather than future, heavenly, spiritual things. Esau sold his birthright for a single meal (v. 16c; cf. Gen. 25:29-34), and though he later changed his mind, he could not change the predicament he created by his short-sighted impulsiveness (v. 17).

Repentance basically means “to turn” or “to change” and is typically used to describe a change of mind that leads to a change of will and action (cf. Acts 3:19; 26:20). Esau obviously had a change of heart, but it was too late; he could not turn back the clock or change his past actions or his current circumstances. The practical application is simple: don’t be like Esau and disregard the spiritual blessings in Christ, lest you fall away and forfeit them forever (cf. 6:4-8; 10:26-31).

--Kevin L. Moore

Related Posts: Heb 12:1-4

 

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The Greatest Example of Faith (Hebrews 12:1-4)

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV).

The Greatest Hero

“Therefore” points back to the heroes and heroines of faith of the previous chapter, who still surround us as “so great a cloud of witnesses.” But they are not just passively standing by as mere spectators. In fact, we are looking up to them. The Greek term translated “witnesses” is martúrōn, plural of mártus from which we get the English word “martyr” (cf. Acts 22:20; Rev. 2:13; 17:6). A “witness” is superfluous without a testimony to give, and the faithful men and women who have gone on before us bear testimony [marturéō] (Heb. 11:2, 4, 5, 39; cf. Acts 1:8; 22:15) of how a life of faith is to be lived all the way to the end (cf. Rev. 12:11). These worthy examples, preserved in the biblical record, demonstrate that with God’s help it is possible to endure and overcome the harsh realities of this cruel and ungodly world and to be victorious.

The life of faith is likened here to a race: not a momentary sprint but a lifelong marathon.¹ The negative requirement for success is to “put away every encumbrance and entangling sin,” like a runner who removes bulky clothing or training weights. We must get rid of anything that will impede our progress. The positive requirement for victory is to “run with endurance” [hupomonēs] (cf. 10:36). This is a pre-appointed race “set before” [prokeímenon] us, not necessarily one we would choose for ourselves. But it is a race that God has determined we need to run.

“Looking unto” or “fixing our eyes on” Jesus is a reminder to not be easily distracted and to maintain the proper focus. Jesus is the “leader, ruler, prince ... originator, founder” [archēgós] (cf. 2:10) and “perfecter, consummator” [teleiōtēs] of faith in that he has taken the lead and set the example, and he is the inspiration and goal of our faith (cf. 5:9).

The joy “set before” [prokeímenon] him means that it was God’s plan (cf. Acts 2:23; 3:18), not a joyful experience but joyous because of the momentous outcome that has impacted countless lives and destinies (cf. v. 11; 2:10, 14-15; Jas. 1:2-3). He “endured” the cross, not avoiding it or running from it or failing to carry through to the end (cf. Matt. 26:53-54). Despising the shameful ordeal (cf. 5:7-8), he went through with it anyway, focused beyond himself and refusing to quit. He has now triumphantly taken his seat at the right hand of God’s throne (cf. 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; Psa. 110:1).

The Greatest Example

“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:3-4).

Because of the life, example, and sacrifice of Jesus, we have the inspiration and motivation needed to protect our souls from succumbing to weariness and discouragement. Beyond the men and women of faith of the previous chapter, we have Jesus as the supreme example of enduring faithfulness.

The original readers of this epistle had undoubtedly experienced a difficult life of suffering (cf. 10:32-34), but at least they had not yet faced the kind of maltreatment, bloodshed, and martyrdom described in the previous chapter and what Jesus himself had endured. So why give up in the face of comparatively lesser trials and tests of faith? While “striving against sin” is a constant battle for all Christians of all time, with God’s help and Christ’s example we can overcome the encumbering entanglement of sin and successfully complete the Christian race all the way to the glorious finish line.²

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ Athletic metaphors are common in Paul: 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Phil. 1:30; 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7; Acts 20:24.

     ² See The Rest That Remains.

Related Posts: Heb 12:5-17

 

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Faith Exemplified (Hebrews 11:1-40): Part 4

More Heroes of Faith

“And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets” (Hebrews 11:32, NKJV).

The brevity of these allusions seems to take for granted the readers’ familiarity with these OT characters. Gideon led 300 men against the Midianites (Judg. 6:11; 7:1-25). Barak led Israel in victory over Sisera and the Canaanites (Judg. 4:6-24). Samson defeated thousands of Philistines (Judg. 13:24–16:31). Jephtha led the men of Gilead to victory over the Ammonites (cf. Judg. 11:1-29; 12:1-7). David, a valiant warrior and respected leader, was a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 7:46; 13:22). Samuel was a prophet and judge (1 Sam. 3:1-21; 7:2-14). And “the prophets” would include Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

What was Accomplished by Faith

These faithful ones, “who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again” (Hebrews 11:33-35a).

These heroes of faith faithfully served God as he accomplished his purpose:

o   Conquered kingdoms (v. 33a), e.g., Joshua, Gideon, Barak, David, Joab.

o   Performed acts of righteousness, enforced justice (v. 33b), lived lives characterized by just and fair treatment (cf. 2 Sam. 8:15).

o   Obtained promises (v. 33c), cf. Gen. 21:1-2; Josh. 21:45.

o   Stopped the mouths of lions (v. 33d), cf. 1 Sam. 17:34-35; Dan. 6:23.

o   Quenched the violence of fire (v. 34a), cf. Dan. 3:28.

o   Escaped the edge of the sword (v. 34b), cf. 1 Sam. 18:11; 19:10-12 (David); 1 Kings 19 (Elijah); Jer. 26 (Jeremiah).

o   Made strong out of weakness (v. 34c), cf. Judg. 16:28-31 (Samson); Isa. 38:1-6 (Hezekiah); Judg. 6:11-40 (Gideon).

o   Valiant in battle (v. 34d), 1 Sam. 17 (David vs. Goliath); Judg. 7:1–8:28 (Gideon).

o   Turned to flight the armies of the aliens (v. 34e), cf. 2 Chron. 20:15; Judg. 7:22.

o   Raised the dead (v. 35a), cf. 1 Kings 17:17-24 (Elijah and Zarephath widow); 2 Kings 4:18-37 (Elisha and the Shunamite).

What Faith Enabled Men and Women of Faith to Endure

“Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth” (Hebrews 11:35b-38).

Willingly brutalized to attain “a better resurrection” (v. 35b; cf. v. 16). During the intertestamental period torture was administered by Antiochus IV Epiphanes (cf. 2 Macc. 6:18-31). Trial of mockings, cf. Matt. 27:31; Luke 22:63; Acts 2:13; 17:32. Scourgings, cf. John 19:1; Acts 22:24. Chains and imprisonment (v. 36), cf. Gen. 39:20; 1 Kings 22:24-28; Jer. 20:2; Acts 24:27. Stoned (v. 37a), cf. 2 Chron. 24:20-21 (Zechariah); Acts 14:19 (Paul). Sawn in two (v. 37b):¹ according to tradition this is how Isaiah died at the hands of Manasseh.

Slain with the sword (v. 37c; cf. v. 34b), cf. 1 Kings 19:10, 14 (prophets); Jer. 26:20-23 (Urijah); Acts 12:2 (James). Wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins (v. 37d), cf. 2 Kings 1:8 (Elijah); Matt. 3:4. Destitute, afflicted, tormented (v. 37e). Wandered in deserts, mountains, dens and caves of the earth (v. 38b).

God’s estimation of these great heroes and heroines of faith is succinctly stated: “of whom the world was not worthy” (v. 38a). God has demonstrated his love and given sufficient opportunity to his entire human creation. Those who have foolishly rejected him and his will and have maliciously maltreated those who have faithfully submitted to and served him, have proven themselves to be contemptible and undeserving by comparison.

The Reward of Faith

“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).

All who are inducted into faith’s “hall of fame” have obtained a good testimony through faith, even though they did not receive the ultimate promise of God in this life. God has provided something far better,² and while they were not made perfect apart from us, are we “worthy” to be counted among them?

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ Textus Receptus includes “were tempted” (cf. NKJV).

     ² See K. L. Moore, “The Rest that Remains,” Moore Perspective (5 Aug. 2015), <Link>.

Related Posts: Part 3: Heb 11:20-31, Heb 12:1-4, Heb 12:5-17

 

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Faith Exemplified (Hebrews 11:1-40): Part 3

The Faith of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph

“By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones” (Hebrews 11:20-22, NKJV).

Despite being alluded to in the midst of these examples of faith, neither Esau, nor Manasseh, nor Ephraim is counted as one of them. They had the same opportunities and blessings but failed to rise to the occasion. Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, on the other hand, were enabled to accomplish great things and fulfill God’s purpose because their unyielding faith looked beyond immediate circumstances in anticipation of God’s promises (cf. Gen. 27:1-40; 48:14-20; 47:29-31; 50:24-25; Ex. 13:19; Josh. 24:32).

The Faith of Moses

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them” (Hebrews 11:23-28).

The faith of Moses was first exhibited by his parents (v. 23), Amram and Jochebed (Ex. 6:20). His mother is the second woman noted in this chapter of faith, who helped lay the foundation of the faith that Moses would demonstrate later in life.

Moses’ faith affected his decisions (vv. 24-26). He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Moses’ faith affected his priorities. He chose suffering rather than the temporary pleasures of sin, esteeming affliction (the same kind of abuse and rejection Christ would suffer) more valuable than earthly treasures.

Moses’ faith affected his emotional disposition (v. 27a). He did not fear the king’s wrath. His reliance on God engendered courage that was greater than his fears. Moses’ faith affected his resolution: he endured (v. 27b). Moses’ faith affected his behavior (v. 28). He was obedient to God’s revealed will.

“By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned” (Hebrews 11:29).

Moses’ faith affected his leadership. The discussion of Moses’ faith smoothly transitions into a description of the Israelites’ faith under his capable, God-centered direction. Consequently, their fate was determined by their obedient faith, while the fate of the Egyptians was determined by the absence thereof.

The Faith of the Conquerors of Jericho

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace” (Hebrews 11:30-31).

The biblical account of the forty years of wilderness-wandering is passed over. These years were not characterized by faith but by rebellion and unbelief (cf. 3:16-19). The narrative resumes with the conquest of the land of Canaan. Jericho was not conquered by military force but by faith (cf. Josh. 6:1-21).

Rahab is the third woman highlighted in this chapter. She had more faith than the other Jericho inhabitants (cf. Josh. 2:11; Jas. 2:25-26). She did not perish with “the disobedient [ones]” [apeithéō];¹ faith and obedience are inseparably linked. Despite her sinful past, her obedient faith enabled her to be used by God as a contributor to the family tree that ultimately produced the savior of the world (Matt. 1:5).²

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ Not simply “those who did not believe” (NKJV; cf. mg. “disobedient”; NASB); see also 3:18-19; 4:6.

     ² See K. L. Moore, “The Lineage of Jesus According to Matthew,” Moore Perspective (3 Feb. 2013), <Link>.

Related Posts: Faith's Hall of Shame, Faith Exemplified Part 1, Part 2, Part 4

 

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Honoring Dr. Earl D. Edwards (13 April 1933 – 13 September 2025)

For ninety-two treasured years the Lord has richly blessed the world through his godly servant Earl D. Edwards. Missionary, gospel preacher, Bible teacher, evangelist, elder, professor, scholar, author, mentor; Christian husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather. This gallant man of God departed from this temporal life following a day of door-knocking to set up Bible studies and less than a week after his last sermon. He kept a record of the sermons he preached over the years, from 2nd June 1952 to 7th September 2025, totaling 7,629.

Impact on My Life (and Countless Others!)

Bro. Edwards started teaching at Freed-Hardeman College when I was an undergraduate student in the Social Work program and developing an interest in missions. He invited me to participate in a Spring Break campaign to Toronto, Canada, working mainly in an Italian community. This was the first time I had ever been outside the United States, and it significantly broadened my horizons. We learned basic Italian phrases for door-knocking, inviting people to study the Bible and to attend a gospel meeting, which bro. Edwards preached in Italian. He asked me to lead the singing, in Italian, which I reluctantly did, strictly following the words on the page!

My interest in missions continued to grow, so my final semester I enrolled in bro. Edwards’ “World Missions” class, which I think was the only missions class offered at the time. My research project focused on the Lord’s work in New Zealand, and the things I learned coupled with bro. Edwards’ influence led me to make the decision on the last day of class to devote my life to full-time evangelistic work in New Zealand.

Years later bro. Edwards brought the first Freed-Hardeman campaign group to NZ while I was working with the church in Wellington, which instilled in me the inspiration to organize and coordinate future FHU-NZ campaigns. He then invited me to serve as Freed-Hardeman’s missionary-in-residence and offered a scholarship to study in the Graduate School of Theology. I got to take some of his classes and still treasure his class notes. When my thesis advisor got sick, bro. Edwards stepped in for a time to offer critiques and then served on the oral comps panel. He didn’t make it easy but was gracious!

Worthy of Honor

For years bro. Edwards has been affectionately referred to as the fifteenth apostle. Although spoken in jest, and I’m pretty sure he didn’t like the comparison, the admiration and respect he has earned from all who knew him made the comparison somewhat legitimate. He never seemed to slow down. He was always busy in the Lord’s work. Like the apostle Paul, he “labored more abundantly than they all” and would be the first to admit, “yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Cor. 15:10).

While we are eternally grateful for his life, service, and the incredible impact he has made, we are also thankful that he has now entered his long-anticipated and well-deserved rest, joining Ms. Gwen, Ms. Lora, and a host of heroes and heroines of faith who have gone on before him. In fact, if the eleventh chapter of Hebrews were written today, I’m pretty sure Earl D. Edwards would be included.

--Kevin L. Moore

Related: Obituary: Earl D. Edwards 

 

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Faith Exemplified (Hebrews 11:1-40): Part 2

The Faith of Abraham and Sarah

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore” (Hebrews 11:8-12, NKJV).

“By faith Abraham¹ obeyed …” (v. 8a), affirming that biblical faith is working, active, obedient (cf. Jas. 2:14-26; Gal. 5:6; 1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:11; etc.). Abraham’s faith did not rest on what he had personally seen or experienced (cf. vv. 1, 3, 6) but on what God had promised (vv. 8b-9),² though his faith made him just as sure and certain as if he had actually seen and experienced the fulfilled promise. And Abraham’s faith was so strong, impactful, and influential that it passed on to his son and grandson (v. 9b; cf. vv. 18-21).

Abraham expectantly waited [ekdechomai] for a habitation having foundations, whose architect/builder/maker is God (v. 10; cf. 8:2); “the city,” as opposed to the many fortified cities of the land of Canaan at the time, having “foundations” (plural) – large, immovable, and in contrast to Abraham’s temporary tent-dwellings (cf. 13:14). It is planned, prepared, and built by God. In Hebrews that which is God-made in contrast to what is man-made is “heaven itself” (cf. v. 16; 8:2; 9:11, 24). Abraham apparently had some realization and expectation of a reward beyond this life.

By faith Sarah herself conceived and bore a child in her old age (v. 11). She initially disbelieved (Gen. 18:9-15), but eventually her faith developed and conquered her doubts. The reason she was able to have a child was because she trusted in God to do what he promised to do (v. 11b). “Therefore” [dió], because of Abraham and Sarah’s faith, in the face of what appeared to be insurmountable odds God was able to accomplish great things through them; multitudes came from this once-barren couple (v. 12; cf. Gen. 15:5; 22:17; 32:12).

Knowing Beyond Seeing

“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. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:13-16).

Faith sees beyond present, physical circumstances (vv. 13-16). Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and Jacob all died without actually inheriting the promised land. But their faith enabled them to look beyond this temporal life, and even beyond any temporal promise; they were content to be strangers, pilgrims, and exiles on the earth (v. 13). Their faith kept them patiently marching forward through life (vv. 14-15):³ looking for something better and determined not to return from whence they came (cf. 3:8-12; 4:1-11; 6:6; 10:25-26, 35). Their ultimate goal was heaven (v. 16).

Demonstrated Faith

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called,’ concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense” (Hebrews 11:17-19).

Because of Abraham’s faith (vv. 17-19), he knew that God would keep his promises (Gen. 12:1-3) despite the inexplicable command to sacrifice his son. God was not asking Abraham to do anything that he was not willing to do himself! (cf. John 3:16; Rom. 8:32). This was a test of Abraham’s faith (v. 17), and Abraham believed in God’s power to raise the dead (v. 19; cf. Gen. 22:5). Note the parallels:

o   Isaac was Abraham’s monogenēs (“unique, one of a kind”),⁴ as Jesus was God’s monogenēs (John 1:14; 3:16, 18).

o   Abraham was to offer his son as a sacrifice, as Jesus was offered as a sacrifice (cf. 7:27; 9:12, 14; 10:10).

o   God had the power to raise Isaac from the dead (which he did figuratively, v. 19), as Jesus was raised from the dead (Mark 16:9; Acts 1:3; 2:24, 30-32; 3:15; etc.).

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ Cf. Gen. 15:6; Neh. 9:7-8; Rom. 4:1-3; Gal. 3:6-9; Jas. 2:21-23.

     ² “He tore himself loose from his own country, his family and his friends, venturing out on the call of God. ‘It was, therefore, no attractive account of Canaan which induced him to forsake Mesopotamia, no ordinary emigrant’s motive which moved him, but mere faith in God’s promise’ [Dods 355]. That he went out not knowing his destination – his faith was tested by the unknown – underscores the magnitude of his trust” (N. Lightfoot, Jesus Christ Today 209-10).

     ³ Great example of endurance, perseverance, steadfastness (cf. 2:1; 3:14; 4:11; 6:11; 10:23, 36).

     ⁴ Compare Gen. 16:15; 25:1-6.

Related Posts: Faith Exemplified Part 1, Part 3, Part 4

 

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Faith Exemplified (Hebrews 11:1-40): Part 1

Faith Defined

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (Hebrews 11:1-3, NKJV).

The word “faith” [pistis] occurs twenty-four times in this chapter, with forty-one occurrences of the pistis word-group in Hebrews. Faith is the hupóstasis,¹ “assurance” (ASV, NASB, N/RSV), “being sure” (NIV); or “substance” (NKJV, ASVmg), “makes real” (McCord); or “realization” (NKJVmg)? While the precise nuance may be debatable, the idea is evident here of the certainty of something real, viz. “of things being hoped” [vb. elpízō].² James Moffatt comments: “not the reality of these unseen ends of God – he assumes these – but the fact and force of believing in them with absolute confidence.”³

Faith is the élegchos,⁴ “conviction” (ASV, NASB, N/RSV), “confidence” (NKJVmg); or “evidence” (NKJV), “proof” (McCord)? Faith is being convinced by sufficient evidence of the reality “of things not seen.” Faith is not a blind leap in the dark; it is to know beyond seeing. By faith the elders [presbúteroi] (or “men of old” NASB) obtained a testimony or “gained approval,” including the heroes of faith discussed in the rest of the chapter.

“By faith we understand that the worlds” [aiōnas – “ages”] “were prepared [katartízō]⁵ by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible” (cf. 1:2, 10). We did not witness the beginning of the physical universe, but the evidence of the world around us (cf. Psa. 19:1; Rom. 1:20) coupled with the testimony of God’s revelation (cf. Gen. 1:1; Psa. 33:6) establishes our understanding of creation, which constitutes “faith.”⁶

In the rest of the chapter faith is described as trusting in God to do what he said he would do when we do what he asks us to do (cf. 10:35-36).  Notice that faith is actioned:

o   “By faith Abel offered …” (v. 4)

o   “By faith Enoch … pleased God” (v. 5) in that he “walked with God” (Gen. 5:24)

o   “By faith Noah … prepared an ark” (v. 7)

o   “By faith Abraham obeyed …” (v. 8)

o   “By faith Abraham … offered …” (v. 17); see also vv. 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33.

The Faith of Abel

“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).

Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain (cf. Gen. 4:2-7), not necessarily better in quality but better in kind. Cain’s offering was of the fruit of the ground, and “Abel also⁷ brought of the firstborn [prōtotókōn LXX]⁸ of his flock” (Gen. 4:3, 4). The implication of “also” is that Cain had brought the first (possibly the best) of his harvest. If this inference is correct, then Cain gave the same quality of offering as Abel, but it was of a different kind. Abel offered a blood sacrifice; Cain did not.

Since Abel’s sacrifice was “by faith,” and faith comes by hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17), it follows that God must have given instructions about the kind of sacrifice he expected, viz. a blood offering (cf. Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22). Apparently Cain’s sacrifice was unacceptable because it was not a blood sacrifice, i.e., it was not authorized by God and therefore could not be offered “by faith.” Abel, through his offering, obtained a righteous testimony from God. Through his obedient faith, though he is dead, Abel still speaks (cf. 12:24).

The Faith of Enoch

“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:5-6).

The biblical account alluded to here is Genesis 5:21-24. It was “by faith” that Enoch was taken up/away so that he did not see death, because “God took him” (Gen. 5:24; cf. 2 Kings 2:11). According to the LXX reading, he “pleased God,” and according to the Hebrew text, he “walked with God” (Gen. 5:22, 24). Enoch lived a life of faithful obedience that was pleasing to God (cf. Gen. 6:9; 17:1; 24:40; 48:15; 2 Cor. 5:9; 1 Thess. 4:1).

But [dé] without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing (to him/God), for the one approaching God must [dei] have faith that he is and that he becomes a rewarder to those seeking him. What this statement reveals about faith:

o   The essentiality of faith – we cannot please God without it.

o   Faith enables us to approach God (cf. 4:16; 6:19; 7:25; 10:19, 22).

o   Those who seek God can find him (cf. Acts 17:27; Rom. 1:20; Matt. 7:7).

o   Though God cannot be seen with our physical eyes, faith enables us to “see” (comprehend) and have confidence, assurance, certainty that he is real (cf. 11:1, 3); to know beyond seeing.

o   Faith ultimately leads to great reward (cf. 6:12; 10:35).

The faith of Noah

“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” (Hebrews 11:7)

By faith Noah, although he had never seen a flood or even rain (cf. Gen. 2:5-6), took God at his word, being driven by godly fear/reverence. A respectful regard for God and his word naturally produces an obedient faith. Noah’s faith compelled him to obey God and build the ark according to God’s directives and specifications (cf. Gen. 6:22; 7:5).

Noah was also motivated to do this “for the saving of his household.” He was not only a man of God, he was the spiritual leader of his family, a responsible family man, and looked after the interests of his wife, sons, and daughters-in-law (cf. Gen. 8:18; 1 Pet. 3:20).

By his obedient faith “he condemned the world.” Noah’s faith stood out in stark contrast to the unbelieving world and his very actions condemned theirs (cf. Matt. 12:41; 1 Cor. 6:2). Noah “became heir” (possessor, cf. 1:2, 4, 14; 6:12, 17; 11:9; 12:17) “of the righteousness which is according to faith.”

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ Confidence, assurance; substance, essence (1:3; 3:14; 11:1; 2 Cor. 9:4; 11:17).

     ² Cf. Matt. 12:21; Rom. 8:24-25; 15:12; 1 Cor. 13:7; 15:19; 2 Cor. 1:10; 1 Tim. 4:10; 5:5; 1 Pet. 1:13; 3:5; consider also the noun elpís in Heb. 3:6; 6:11, 18; 7:19; 10:23; Rom. 4:18; 5:2-5; 8:20, 24; 12:12; 15:4, 13; 1 Cor. 13:13; 2 Cor. 3:12; Gal. 5:5; Eph. 1:18; 2:12; 4:4; Phil. 1:20; Col. 1:5, 23, 27; 1 Thess. 1:3; 4:13; 5:8; 1 Tim. 1:1; Tit. 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; 1 Pet. 1:3, 21; 3:15; 1 John 3:3.

     ³ A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1924) 160.

     ⁴ Proof, conviction (11:1; 2 Tim. 3:16).

     ⁵ To make complete (cf. 10:5; 11:3; 13:21; Rom. 9:22; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Thess. 3:10; 1 Pet. 5:10). “What the author states here, however, is not so much that the world was created out of nothing but that creation cannot be explained by material means” (N. Lightfoot, Jesus Christ Today 206 n. 9).

     ⁶ “The existence of the world is a fact substantiated by experience, and that it has been ‘fashioned’ or ‘created’ in some inexplicable way is a natural deduction of the human mind. But that it has all come into being by the word of God is a theory unsupported by empirical evidence…. It is because of faith and by means of faith that a true understanding of the created order is gained. Behind everything there is an unseen force that is not subject to the investigations of science” (N. Lightfoot, Jesus Christ Today 206).

     ⁷ LXX: kaí ... kaí = “And ... also”

     ⁸ Cf. 1:6; 12:23; Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:15, 18; Rev. 1:5.

Related Posts: Parents of Faith, Faith's Hall of Shame, Faith Exemplified Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

 

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