Jesus -- The Author and Finisher of Our Faith - Part 701

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith -- without wavering -- For He is faithful that promised -- and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. (Hebrews 10:22-24)

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. For without faith, it is impossible to please Him for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

The scriptures in Hebrews chapter eleven elaborate on numerous examples of faith from the old covenant -- but still for our edification -- in order that we might be strengthened in our journey with Jesus. I have included some of these below.

By faith, Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous -- God testifying of his gifts and by it he being dead yet speaks. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

By faith Noah being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear prepared an ark to the saving of his house by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith, Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed and he went out not knowing whither he went.

But by faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob the heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city which hath foundations whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Further, through faith kingdoms were subdued, righteousness wrought, and promises obtained. Indeed faith stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again, and others were tortured -- not accepting deliverance -- in order that these might obtain a better resurrection.

Others for their faith endured trials, cruel mockings and scourgings. Yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment; they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword. Because of their faith, some wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins -- being destitute, afflicted, tormented (of whom the world was not worthy); they wandered in deserts, and in mountains and in dens and caves of the earth, and these all having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.

But for you and I living under the new covenant -- in the dispensation of grace -- God provided a better thing for us. He has given us His promises. His love. His grace. His mercy. Therefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

Always 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Stand in the offering plate.