The 11th chapter of the Book of Hebrews is known as the “faith chapter” because it highlights the importance of faith and the examples of the many who are referred to as “heroes of the faith.” It begins with a definition of faith which states “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Verse two answers a very important question that many people have. The question that many people ask is just how were Old Testaments saints saved? Verse two explains that they are saved just like we are today: By faith!
It quickly goes into one of the first requisites of faith when it declares that “by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen are made from things that are invisible.” The world says seeing is believing, but God says believing is seeing! Consider that energy, atoms, molecules and gases are invisible to the naked eye, but when they are combined, we can see them. God created the visible using the invisible. This is why the enemy of God came up with ludicrous theory of evolution declaring that “nothing blew up and created everything!” There can be no design without a designer.
Let’s consider the first three heroes of faith because there is an incredible lesson in their order. The first example is Abel who the Bible says, “offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he was declared righteous.” Abel’s sacrifice was accepted by God whereas Cain’s was not simply because Abel brought a blood sacrifice where Cain offered the work of his own hands. Simply put, Cain’s offering was self-righteous religion, and God can never accept that. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin(Hebrews 9:22). We must come before God that same way as Abel.
Our next example is Enoch who the Bible says, “was taken away so that he did not see death because his testimony pleased God.” Why did Enoch’s testimony (life) please God?” Genesis 5:24 explains: “Enoch WALKED with God.” Enoch was not pleasing to God because he went to church on Sundays. No Enoch walked with God- Every day! He lived his life in a relationship, not a religion. God was not only his God but was also his friend. The third example of faith is Noah. Verse seven declares, “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.” The Bible calls Noah a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5). For over 100 years Noah preached righteousness, but he also warned anyone who would listen about the judgment that was coming upon the earth. Unfortunately, only seven people listened!
We would do well to follow in the footsteps of Abel, Enoch and Noah by coming to God only through the blood of the lamb, walking with God daily and preaching righteousness and yes warning others of the judgement to come. We can follow their godly examples by only one way- By FAITH!
