Strive for Peace

 

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:12-14 ESV).

 

The writer calls his readers to keep on the straight path so that we might run the race of faith. This injunction is given so that the elect may not grow weary and so that they will hear the voice of God to stay in the race. Yet, by God’s Spirit, all of the elect will most certainly hear these commands and pursue the prize of Christ with all of their might. Before we look at some of the ways we can strengthen ourselves for the race ahead, we will once again remind ourselves that ultimately it is God who sustains and strengthens us and not we ourselves. The Spirit imparts spiritual gifts to us so that we will mature (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:1–11). It is Christ who enables us to do all things (cf. Philippians 4:13).

 

Nevertheless, once we have been granted gifts by the grace of God for our strength, we are responsible to live in gratitude for these gifts with a changed life. We are responsible for exercising these gifts and following His commands. When we do these things, we take the gifts that Christ has given us and further strengthen ourselves. If we do not obey, we will not be able to run to the fullest.

 

In today’s reading, the author of Hebrews begins to tell us some of the ways we can prepare ourselves to finish the race. He tells us to “strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (v. 14). This is such an important exhortation because the church is often tempted to pursue peace at the expense of holiness. In our own day, many denominations call for peace but not for holiness. They look askance on anyone who breaks fellowship over sin, insisting that unity is more important than truth.

 

However, we can see that this is not the right way. We are to pursue peace and holiness. If we get along but tolerate sin, then peace does not benefit us at all. Things might be quiet, but festering sin will cause us to stumble in the race. Indeed, as John Owen says, “peace with other people is not to be carried out at any price.” However, we must avoid the other extreme of pursuing unbiblical standards of “holiness” that create a morass of strife and legalism. For if we impose rules not based upon Scripture, or if we split churches over peripheral matters, we will be so focused on arguing with one another that we will not run the race with vigor. As was the example of Jesus we must seek a balance between truth-telling and grace-giving. This means loving others, even when we hate what they may espouse or practice. That is what a great race looks like!

Are We Living in the End-Times?

Some Things that Might Cause You to Go HMMMM?

Revelation and the End-Times

 

And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”

 

And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear:

 

If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

 

Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

(Revelation 13 ESV)

 

No clear-thinking individual can deny that we are living in one of the few historical periods of uncertainty the world has ever known. It seems that global turmoil has become such a common occurrence as we have come to accept it as normative. There have always been wars, or rumors of wars in our history. However, it seems that the escalating conflicts in many parts of our world are moving the world ever closer to a global conflict. This as well as the war in Israel continues naturally brings the prophecies of the bible to mind. And, we see many religious leaders and churches exposed as manipulative and carnal.

 

It is at this point that I think a disclaimer is warranted. My intention in writing is not an attempt to predict the future. That prerogative is reserved for God alone. As I have often remarked, “That is way above my pay grade.” I do, however, want to “think out loud” a bit. As the title would suggest, it may cause us to go “hmmmm?” I hope it stirs your mind and heart to be watchful. Keep your lamps full and your wicks trimmed for the coming of the Bridgroom. Jesus told this parable with a warning to His disciples:

 

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

(Matthew 25:1-13 ESV).

 

The counsel to “watch” is a common theme for Jesus. However, as people speculate in their attempt to answer the natural questions concerning the end times we should be cautious, humbly realizing we may not be witnessing all of God’s plans. And, we should be careful to watch and pray.

 

The importance of being watchful and wise cannot be understated. We must not worship a man or woman or place our hope in a leader thus taking the place reserved only for Jesus. The apostle John speaks of how the spirit of the antichrist is already in the world, and that was two thousand years ago (cf. 1 John 4:1-6). A few chapters earlier, he also mentions people operating as false Christs (cf. 1 John 2:18-23). Therefore, while we may not be dealing with the Antichrist, we still deal with the antichrist spirit and people who act as false Messiahs. These are the people who make claims they can “deliver” us from our predicaments in life.  

 

The devil is a subtle deceiver. It should not be a surprise that this is his most effective means of robbing believers of their peace and joy. It will also be a hallmark of the end times. This spiritual deception will lead many astray and pave the way for the rise of the Antichrist. The Apostle Paul had this to say in that regard:

 

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10).

 

Deception has existed since the beginning. However, with today’s technology in communication and the attendant media it has spawned the potential to propagate deception on a global scale, amplifying the influence of false teachings and ideologies is enormous. The prevalence of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and manipulation through digital platforms can contribute to spiritual confusion and deception among individuals on a greater scale than ever before. It has become more and more difficult to know what is fact from what is fiction. As our culture becomes more secular and the voices of spiritual discernment are drowned out in the flood of such lies it is easy to see this is a time like that which is described as the “end times.”

 

A second indicator found in the Scripture describing the end-times is the increase in moral decay. This decline is a prelude to the coming of the “lawless one.” The Apostle Paul describes this when he writes to Timoty: a figure embodying ultimate rebellion against God and his principles:

 

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

 

It is common today to see the practice of moral relativism which has resulted in the rejection of Scriptural values. The normalization of behaviors contrary to biblical teachings, such as greed, pride, immorality, and disregard for human life is a clear indication of the departure from God’s standards. This has contributed to the blind following of charismatic leadership as they promise worldly solutions to man’s earthly troubles. It only leads people further from God’s truth. As followers of Jesus our concern for the poor and needy, the continued destruction of family, and the commitment to basic kindness to all people must be of the highest priority.

 

A third indicator of the end-times is the use of increased surveillance and centralized control. This will ultimately lead the way for a future dictator to establish authoritarian rule over humanity. The Apostle John describes it this way:

 

Also it [the second beast] causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. (Revelation 13:16-17).

 

There is no doubt that John’s vision of the Revelation describes a future where the Antichrist implements a system of control that requires people to receive a mark to participate in economic activities, which necessitates much control over people’s lives. Of course, we cannot definitively identify what that will be. However, it is easy for us to imagine that things such as biometrics and RFID implants seem to fit some of these descriptions. The potential of these developments for mass surveillance and control over individuals cannot be denied. And, adding to those things, we have seen incredible proliferation of digital platforms and data collection that ought to raise serious questions about the potential for manipulation and control.

 

We have seen first-hand how this might look when the global lockdowns and panic that ensued as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic revealed the control available for leaders who want to facilitate oppressive measures like restrictions on freedom of expression, movement, and association.

 

Believers should be reminded by these things of the necessity of discernment in evaluating the implications of technological advancements and societal trends on personal freedom and autonomy.

 

Continuing to note some of the signs of these times we can see in Biblical prophecy how political power will be consolidated under a single global authority, paving the way for the rise of a charismatic leader who embodies the antichrist spirit. The Apostle John says, “And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation” (Revelation 13:7).  The beast represents the Antichrist, a political figure establishing a centralized government with worldwide influence and control.

 

There is significant movement on the world stage today. Many world leaders have embraced globalization in an effort to address challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and pandemics through multilateral agreements and institutions. These have set the foundation for a centralized political authority. Add to that communication, technology, and transportation advancements and there is a greater interconnectedness among nations than ever before. We can see this in the rise of supranational organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union. Economic globalization has led to interdependence among nations, with global financial systems and trade networks linking economies worldwide. One powerful and charismatic world leader can exploit this worldwide convergence of governments and economies.

 

This is just another call for the Church to be even more diligent in keeping the local church’s connection and autonomy alive and well, gathering together and acting as the family of God to resist these movements toward globalization.

 

A fifth sign that we may be living in the end-times and that the Antichrist is alive and among us is associated with the rise of economic distress. These economic crises and disparities create conditions that facilitate the ease with which a charismatic leader promising solutions may quickly gain a loyal following that call others to drift away from the truth of the Gospel. John wrote:

 

And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls. “The fruit for which your soul longed has gone from you, and all your delicacies and your splendors are lost to you, never to be found again!” The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud, “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.” And tall shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, “What city was like the great city?” And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out. (Revelation 18:11-19 ESV).

 

Here the apostle describes the fall of Babylon, a symbolic representation of worldly kingdoms, a wealthy city of power and commerce. Babylon is the evil copy of the kingdom of God. In this passage from Revelation, merchants and traders mourn Babylon’s destruction, indicating economic consequences for those who benefited from its wealth and trade. Economic systems collapse.

 

It only takes a moment to recognize the economic instability, inequality, and financial crises that exist today. Throughout history we have seen how persistent poverty, unemployment, and income disparities create social unrest, making people vulnerable to promises of economic prosperity and security offered by charismatic leaders like the Antichrist. The clearest example is found in the rise to power of Adolph Hitler after WWI. Further, globalization and interconnected financial systems have only served to increase the possibility that this could be happening now.  the susceptibility of economies to systemic risks and shocks. Add to that the unknown long-term effects of automation and artificial intelligence and we should be even more concerned about the future of the financial state of the world.

 

Regardless of whether this is the end-time, believers should respond in two ways. First, we must take seriously the repeated warnings in Scripture about the allure and false promises of material prosperity and security. We can only find security in in Christ. He is the only One who we can trust. Second, this is a very clear call to us to continue to be generous and giving to people experiencing poverty, showing the world a loving alternative to materialism and consumerism.

 

We should not overlook the environmental crises which also contribute to the worldwide catastrophes paving the way for the rise of the Antichrist. Jesus speaks of this in the Olivet Discourse: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places” (Matthew 24:7). Jesus calls these events “birth pangs,” as if the earth feels the coming judgment and begins to quake. Of course, these environmental factors can be caused by humans. Concerns about climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss are prevalent worldwide.

 

It is no surprise that environmental upheaval increases economic and social inequalities. This leads to crises in refugee migration, resource conflicts, and medical calamities. This also sets the stage for the influence of a charismatic leader offering promises of security. According to Scripture, some of these events can’t be blamed on humanity, and no amount of green policy will prevent all major crises from occurring. However, they still have the potential to cause the political and economic uncertainty the Antichrist will exploit.

 

The next “sign” for consideration is also found in the Olivet Discourse: “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24). While there may be disagreement in denominational practice, there can be no doubt about the foundational tenets of the Gospel. We cannot deny that Jesus died, was buried and resurrected to bring atonement to god’s chosen people. This truth has been expanded and distorted today by many. Some of these leaders have even claimed to be messianic figures.

 

What’s Next for the Faithful?

 

As I wrote at the start of this muse, we should be cautious of end times discussions. For one thing, we should not panic. If we are indeed in the end-times, it only means we are all closer to heaven. Jesus still sits on the throne and will bring everything to a conclusion where sin and death are once for all put away for all creation. Let me make a few suggestions;

 

§  Trust the Holy Spirit to lead you into truth (cf. John 16:13).

§  Connect with a Gospel-centered church as your community of faith. (cf. 1 Timothy 3:15). If you are now under the leadership of people who point to earthly leaders or governments in the place of Jesus, that is not the Gospel. There is no other beside Jesus who is our hope.

§  Be diligent in your personal study and continued understanding of the Scripture. It is the only authoritative source for knowing the will and purpose of God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

 

For over fifty years I have believed I would see the coming of Jesus in my lifetime. Whether that is true all depends on the prerogative of our great God and Father. He knows the time! And, it will be the right time!

 

Surrounded by a Cloud of Witnesses

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV).

 

We’ve looked extensively at the heroes of our faith in the use of the previous chapter (cf. Hebrews 11). It should remind us that the old covenant saints, in their lifetimes, never received what was promised. This was because God was not willing to perfect them apart from new covenant believers. Nevertheless, they died in faith, trusting that God would bring all His promises to final fulfillment (vv. 39–40). Remember, Jesus is the one who brings all of God’s promises to final fulfillment. He brings the new covenant through the perfect sacrifice of Himself (cf. Hebrews 8:1–10:18). He is the one who will perfect God’s people.

 

However, though we live in a better era after Christ than those who lived before His sacrifice, our positions are not wholly dissimilar. We still must wait for the return of Christ to bring His kingdom to consummation (cf. Hebrews 8:13; 9:28). As such, we still must persevere in faith until Jesus comes back. We must press on just as the saints of old did.

 

This is the point that the author of Hebrews makes in today’s reading. We are called to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (v. 1). This is an image of an athletic competition, of Olympic footraces familiar to the original audience of this book. We see then that the life of faith is like a race that must be run with endurance so that the finish line may be crossed and the prize received.

 

One motivation to run this race is the great “cloud of witnesses” surrounding us. In a race, the stadium is filled with great throngs of people in the bleachers cheering on the contestants to victory. In the race that is the Christian life, the old covenant saints are our cheerleaders. They cheer us on through the example of their faithful endurance, waiting for the promises of God to come. They encourage us to run with endurance. Yet we will only run with endurance if we throw off all hindrances. The things that hinder us, today’s passage tells us, are the sins that cling so closely. They will weigh us down like heavy clothing, preventing us from running with freedom and endurance. We must therefore “lay aside” these sins. We must turn away from them and look instead to Jesus.

 

Examples of Faith - Countless Others - Pt. 9

 

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. (Hebrews 11:32-34 ESV).

 

The Bible is clear that God’s elect are secure in their salvation. Those whom God has predestined and called will also be glorified (cf. Romans 8:29–30). Not one of the Father’s children can be snatched from His hand (cf. John 10:28–29). If God has begun the good work of salvation in us, He will always bring it to completion (cf. Philippians 1:6). God does not only work outside of us in order to ensure our salvation, He also uses our faith. We demonstrate our election and make our calling sure through the exercise of our faith (cf. 2 Peter 1:10). When we exercise faith, we show that God is working in us to preserve our souls through the exercise of this very faith (cf. Hebrews 10:39).

 

Perhaps the most important aspect of true faith is that it always perseveres. It continues to trust God even during the most difficult and impossible circumstances. The author of Hebrews has shown us this by referring to the examples of old covenant saints including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Rahab (Hebrews 11:1–31). In today’s reading, our author begins to conclude his section on the old covenant models of faith. He begins to speak more generally because his point has been made and it is no longer necessary to give his audience individual examples of true persevering faith.

 

Most remarkable about these verses is not the list of mighty deeds performed by Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and others. Rather, we note that no one on this list evidenced perfect faith at every time and every point in his life. Samson jeopardized the people of God for the sake of a beautiful woman (cf. Judges 16:1–21). David committed adultery and indirectly, murder (cf. 2 Samuel 11–12). Most of these men had serious deficiencies.

 

True persevering faith does not mean that we never sin or that our faith is perfect. It does mean that when we sin we repent and then resolve to press forward, ever clinging to the promises of God. As Calvin says, “In all the saints, something reprehensible is ever to be found; yet faith, though halting and imperfect, is still approved by God. There is, therefore, no reason why the faults we labour under should break us down or dishearten us, provided we by faith go on in the race of our calling.” Trust in Him!

 

Examples of Faith - Rahab - Pt. 8

 

By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. (Hebrews 11:31 ESV).

 

As Christians we are well-informed about the necessity of faith. We are justified by faith alone. We persevere in salvation through faith alone. Our glorification comes only after living this life of faith. Even though we know that faith is necessary if we are to please God (cf. Hebrews 11:6), sometimes we have trouble understanding exactly what true faith looks like. Happily, God, in His providence, has provided examples of true persevering faith for us in redemptive history.

 

Today’s reading discusses the faith of Rahab, the woman who hid Israelites spying on the city of Jericho shortly before the conquest of Canaan (cf. Joshua 2). It took great faith for her to risk her own safety and hide the spies. This faith was rewarded when she and her family were spared the destruction that came to the city (cf. Joshua 6:22–25).

 

Rahab is a remarkable character for several reasons. First, she is the only other woman besides Sarah mentioned specifically in the catalog of faith found in this chapter. Thus, we can see that she occupies a place of prominence among the other great heroes of the faith such as Abraham and Moses. Her inclusion demonstrates that both women and men are required to exercise persevering faith and are both honored citizens in the kingdom of God. Rahab’s prominence is also markedly displayed in Matthew 1 where she is only one of two women mentioned in the genealogy of Christ.

 

Rahab was also a Gentile. She was not one of Abraham’s physical descendants and yet was accepted into Israel, God’s people. She foreshadows the great ingrafting of Gentiles into the church now happening under Christ. Like her, those who are outside the people of God today can join His kingdom if they place their faith in Christ alone.

 

Finally, knowing that Rahab was a prostitute is a reminder of God’s mercy. John Owen says that Rahab is “a blessed example both of the sovereignty of God’s grace and of its power; of its freedom and sovereignty, in the calling and conversion of a person given up through her choice to the vilest of sins. Nobody, no sin, should lead to despair when the cure of God’s sovereign, almighty grace is engaged.” There is no sinner, no matter their sin, that cannot be forgiven if they would but turn to Jesus for salvation.

 

Examples of Faith - the Walls of Jericho - Pt. 7

 

By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. (Hebrews 11:29-30 ESV).

 

Repeatedly, the author of the letter to the Hebrews tells us that true faith must, and always does, persevere until the end of life. The author draws parallels between our present new covenant position and the position of the first generation of Israel who left Egypt. That first generation left Egypt gladly and professed faith by agreeing to be in covenant with God (cf. Exodus 24:3). However, that generation fell away because they did not have true faith (cf. Hebrews 4:2). They came to the edge of the Promised Land but then believed the report of the faithless spies who doubted God’s ability to give them Canaan. As a result, they were cut off from God’s promises and sent to wander for forty years in the desert (cf. Numbers 13:25–14:38).

 

The author also reminds us of this story so that we will not “drift away” like the first generation of Israel but rather maintain our trust in the Lord. For all those with true faith will inherit the promises, and only those who persevere until the end have true faith. Today’s reading again draws parallels with an early generation of Israel. However, this time it is not the faithless first generation but the faithful second generation of those who left Egypt. The walls of Jericho fell because of the faith of that generation (v. 30).

 

We read of the fall of Jericho in Joshua 6. In this chapter, the second generation comes upon the imposing city of Jericho with its fortified walls. God commands the people to march around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day they are told to march around the city seven days and then let out a shout. This might seem somewhat ridiculous, for how can the shouts of men bring down a wall? Nevertheless, the people are promised that the city will fall if they obey. And when they obey, the walls come tumbling down.

 

John Calvin reminds us that it was not man’s actions that destroyed the walls. He explains that “the walls did not fall through the shout of men, or the sound of trumpets; but because the people believed that the Lord would do what he had promised.” Persevering faith is like the faith of the second-generation Israelite who believed, despite seeming impossibilities, that God honors the obedient faith of his servants.

 

Examples of Faith - Crossing the Red Sea - Pt. 6

 

By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. (Hebrews 11:29-30 ESV).

 

Living by faith is not for the faint of heart! There are so many distractions that seek to draw us away from God. Personal attacks tempt us to place our comfort above our eternal reward. Success and stability entice us to avoid taking risks for the kingdom of God. Sometimes, even faithful people succumb to these temptations. Despite this fact, however, true believers will, over time, live a life more and more characterized by choices in favor of the hardships and uncertainties of faith over a pattern of choices that favor the comforts of this world.

 

Perhaps no other group of people manifests this reality more than the saints from the old covenant church. Noah, while certainly not perfect, endured mocking and by faith built the ark (Heb. 11:7). Abraham, though he stumbled from time to time, nevertheless sacrificed the child of promise when the One who made the promise commanded him to do so (v. 17). Moses, who at times appeared to have only a small faith, nevertheless abandoned the comforts of Egypt in order to be counted among God’s people (v. 25). These examples are all the more remarkable because they made these choices without ever receiving the final form of the promises of God (v. 13). They lived in an era hoping for the great Melchizedekian priest to come and inaugurate the new covenant through the perfect sacrifice of Himself (cf. Hebrews 7–10). Despite seeing these things only from afar and only in shadows, they nevertheless endured in faith.

 

Like the original audience of the book of Hebrews, we are not at such a disadvantage. Like this audience, we live in the latter days — the days in which Jesus has begun the fulfillment of God’s promises. In these days we are true to the example of the old covenant saints as we persevere in our faith in Christ, the reality for which they waited.

 

In our reading today we see the nation of Israel who by faith crossed the Red Sea while the Egyptians who tried to do the same were destroyed. The Egyptians were destroyed that day because they tried to pass through the sea even though they were the enemies of God and had no trust in Him at all. Like the Egyptians, all those who take advantage of the paths and blessings that the Father has provided without true faith will also face the wrath of God.

 

Examples of Faith - Moses - Pt. 5

 

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. (Hebrews 11:23-29 ESV).

 

Amram and Jochebed, the parents of Moses, displayed great faith when they refused to fear and obey the edict of Pharaoh to kill all the Hebrew boys but rather hid and saved their son (cf. Exodus 6:20). Later, as today’s reading explains, Moses showed the same faith-motivated courage when he went out from Egypt, not fearing the king (v. 27). Of course, the author of Hebrews refers to Moses’ leading the people of Israel out of Egypt in the exodus (cf. Exodus 12:33–42). After the death of the firstborn in Egypt, Pharaoh finally released the Israelites from slavery. Since Pharaoh earlier said that he would let the Israelites go but then changed his mind, Moses could have put the exodus on hold, assuming reasonably that Pharaoh would change his mind and come after them. Yet, Moses did not let the real possibility of danger keep him from trusting God’s promise to redeem His people. He led them out anyway. True faith does not let the threat of danger keep us from obeying the Lord.

 

Immediately before the exodus, Moses by faith also kept the Passover, sprinkling the blood of the lamb on the doorposts and lintels of the Israelite houses, which spared the Israelite firstborn sons from death (v. 28; also see Exodus 12:1–32). This took great faith in God’s promise, for the means of rescue promised was not as evident a display of divine power as the earlier plagues. All Moses had was the word of the Lord that He would indeed save Israel by means of the blood, but as we have seen, true faith is always satisfied with God’s words. John Calvin comments, “It might have seemed strange, that Moses should set a few drops of blood, as a remedy, in opposition to God’s vengeance; but being satisfied with God’s word alone, that the people would be exempt from the scourge that was coming on the Egyptians, he did not hesitate.” Thus, Israel was spared.

 

The final example of faith in today’s passage takes us to Exodus 14, where the Israelites crossed safely through the parted Red Sea but Egypt’s army was drowned (v. 29). Both Israel and Egypt started the path through the sea on dry land, but the path remained only for Israel; God brought the sea crashing down on the Egyptians. The Egyptians went through the sea not because they trusted God but because they wanted to destroy Israel and saw an opportunity to do so. Those who try to follow the path of God’s people without trusting in the Lord will likewise be destroyed (cf. Matthew 7:21–23). Many people profess faith in Jesus and outwardly do the kinds of things that Christians do. Yet if one does not actually possess faith in Christ, all this will be for nothing. What kind of faith do you have?

 

Examples of Faith - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph - Pt. 4

 

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. (Hebrews 11:17-22 ESV).

 

Though we have the privilege of living under the new covenant, we still wait to receive some of the things that have been promised. These things — the new heavens and the new earth, perfect holiness, uninterrupted fellowship with God — are not yet here in our day-to-day experience. But they are a positional reality, anticipating the future. Jesus has done the work necessary to achieve all these things. Those of us who are in Christ are seated with Him in the heavenlies (cf. Ephesians 2:4–7). Therefore, this promised inheritance really is ours even though God has delayed its full manifestation in our everyday lives.

 

Only through true persevering faith are we granted these promises, first as a positional reality and then later as an experiential one. A prime example of persevering faith is found in today’s passage. In our reading today, we are reminded that by faith Abraham offered up Isaac. These verses refer to Genesis 22, where Abraham faithfully obeyed God’s command to sacrifice Isaac on the altar. We should ask why this offering such an act of faith? Remember that Isaac was the child of the promise (v. 18); and, God promised Abraham many descendants but seemed to delay a long time in fulfilling this promise. After many years Isaac was born (cf. Genesis 21:2), and through him the promised nation would come (v. 12). Imagine how hard it was for Abraham to obey God through this sacrifice. God was asking Him to do something that might invalidate the promise. For if Isaac, the child of promise, was killed, how could God be true to His Word to make a nation from Isaac?

 

Abraham trusted God regardless of his logic. He knew that God would keep His promise and name descendants through Isaac even if he was sacrificed. His confidence in God made him know that God would be true to His promise in Isaac even if He had to raise Isaac from the dead (v. 19). He knew that though it might seem impossible, following the command to kill Isaac would not nullify God’s promise. John Owen says that “sometimes, through God’s providence, there may appear to be inconsistency between God’s commands and his promises. Nothing but faith bowing the soul to divine sovereignty can reconcile this.” True faith, like Abraham’s, believes that God can do the impossible.

 

God’s command that the Messiah must die (cf. Isaiah 53) seemed at first glance to be inconsistent with His promise that Messiah would rule the earth (cf. Zechariah 9:10). But now we see that both are perfectly consistent. We must resolve in our hearts to trust God even if His will may sometimes seem inconsistent to our limited understanding.

 

Examples of Faith - Abraham and Sarah - Pt. 3

 

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. (Hebrews 11:8-12 ESV).

 

The Christian faith is a lifelong possession. As we endure in faith over the course of our lives, we show that we really had true faith to begin with. Theologians call this truth “the perseverance of the saints.” It is certainly not easy; however, the work of the Holy Spirit empowers us with all we need to endure. When we wrestle with difficulties that might lead us to question our hope, we need encouragement to maintain our profession, and we find that in the pages of Scripture as the Spirit inspires us. In our reading today, we find special encouragement to remain faithful. The examples of the saints of old who continued in faith despite never receiving all of the promises (Hebrews 11:13) motivate us to trust God as we wait for Him to bring all things to final consummation.

 

Throughout the New Testament, the life of Abraham is held up as the example of incredible faith. This Abraham, we are told, “went out, not knowing where he was going” (v. 8). The reference in this verse is Genesis 12:1–3. At first, God calls Abram (later “Abraham”) to leave Ur but Abram is not told where he is going. We are eventually told that God led Abram to the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:5), but Abram does not know this at first. Nevertheless, Abram faithfully trusts God and obeys. John Owen says that “Abraham wholly committed himself to the power, faithfulness, goodness, and direction of God without having the least encouragement about the place he was going to.” Persevering faith trusts God to direct us even when we may not know where He is leading us.

 

In his lifetime, Abraham did not inherit the Promised Land. He lived as a stranger in Canaan, dwelling in tents because he had no land of his own (v. 9). We are told that he could do this because he was looking forward to the city whose builder is God Himself (v. 10). Even Abraham knew that Canaan was not the ultimate end of God’s promises. He understood that it only pointed forward to the heavenly country that was, and still is, yet to come (v. 16). Today, we who are the children of Abraham by faith (cf. Galatians 3:7) live as strangers in the Promised Land (cf. Leviticus 25:23). We will inherit the whole earth when Jesus returns to bring the city built by God (cf. Revelation 21). Until then we, like Abraham, must continue trusting God to direct us, to provide for us, and to bring His creation to renewal.

 

Of course, Jesus is our ultimate example of one who lived as a stranger in the Promised Land. By dwelling (or, “tabernacling”) among us (cf. John 1:14), He became the ultimate example of the one who lived in tents in the land that was, by all rights, His. Let Jesus’ trust in the Father encourage you to trust Him as well!

 

Examples of Faith - Noah - Pt. 2

 

By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. (Hebrews 11:7 ESV).

 

Continuing his look at Old Testament exemplars of faith, the author of Hebrews in today’s passage turns to Noah. In this ancient believer in the one true God, we find a remarkable illustration of authentic faith.

 

We noted previously that faith has particular reference to things unseen, for it is “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (v. 1). Few believers have had to live according to the conviction of things not seen as Noah did. As we see in that first book of the Bible, the Lord purposed to destroy life on earth by means of a flood on account of the wickedness of humanity. However, God preserved Noah, a righteous and blameless man, and his family, commanding him to build an ark where he and his family, as well as representatives from the animal kingdom, would be kept safe from the floodwaters.

 

Noah believed God’s warning of judgment and trusted the Lord’s promise to keep him and his family safe if he would build an ark, demonstrating that trust by obeying the Lord and constructing a seafaring shelter from the rains. This was no light undertaking. Noah had to collect and shape the materials to build the enormous vessel that was the ark. More significantly, the earth had never experienced a deluge like the one God warned Noah about, and Noah lived inland where the danger of a minor flood, let alone the threat of a worldwide flood, was minimal. Noah had no other reason to think that a flood would come except the word of God’s promise.

 

For Noah, however, that word of promise was sufficient. He understood the character of his Creator and believed that God would do what He had said. His faith was in the Lord and in the Lord alone. By this faith, which bore fruit in his building the ark, “he condemned the world” (v. 7). Noah’s trust and ultimate vindication when he did not die in the flood demonstrated the sinfulness of the people around him who saw him build the ark and yet did not believe that a flood was coming. His faith motivated actions also revealed him as an “heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” His actions proved his trust in the Lord’s Word, and on account of that trust, God regarded Noah as a righteous man. Through faith in God’s promises alone, we are likewise regarded by the Lord as righteous (cf. Romans 4). Trust in the Lord! That is the way of faith!

 

Examples of Faith - Abel and Enoch - Pt. 1

By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:4-6 ESV).

 

Today we begin to look at the examples of faith the writer uses to teach his readers more about the essential nature of faith in pleasing God as we draw nearer to Him. Abel is the first old covenant saint held up to us as an example of faith (v. 4). The story of Abel is taken from one of the first examples of life outside the Garden of Eden (cf. Genesis 4:1–5). It is intended to teach us an important lesson about how true faith manifests itself in the kinds of things we offer to the Lord.

 

The writer says that God “had regard”—was pleased with—Abel’s offering but not with Cain’s. Over the centuries, theologians have tried to discern what set Abel’s gift apart as acceptable to the Lord. Many have suggested that the problem was that Abel offered a blood sacrifice while Cain offered a grain sacrifice. This is understandable, since we know sin cannot be forgiven except through the offering of blood (cf. Hebrews 9:22). However, Genesis does not tell us that God rejected Cain’s sacrifice because it was grain, not blood. Furthermore, grain offerings were prescribed in the Mosaic law and thus were acceptable to Him when offered rightly (cf. Leviticus 2). “When offered rightly” is key. Genesis 4:4 says that Abel brought the “firstborn” and the “fat portions” for an offering—the first and the best. Verse 3 says only that Cain brought an “offering of the fruit of the ground.” This suggests that the problem was that Cain did not bring the first and best but offered his sacrifice to the Lord as an afterthought. Not being motivated by true faith, Cain did not bring the firstfruits of his labor. Abel, however, trusted God to provide for his needs even if he gave the best of his labor. That is the posture of faith.

 

The author of Hebrews then turns to the history of Enoch (cf. Genesis 5:21–24). Scripture says very little about him except that he “walked with God”. The ancient Greek translation of the original Old Testament Hebrew text, called the Septuagint, says in this verse that Enoch “pleased God.” To “walk with God” is a Hebrew idiom for obeying Him, so “pleased God” is an acceptable reading of the text. In any case, Enoch stood out in his generation for his faithfulness to the Lord, his walking with God being rooted and grounded in faith. This reminds us that any good we do cannot truly please God unless it is motivated by our trust in Him and His promises. Faith leads us into a saving relationship with our Creator, and that faith bears the fruit of love for Him and for our neighbor. These are two powerful examples for us today!

  

The Substance of Things Hoped For

 

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (Hebrews 11:1-3 ESV).

 

We cannot leave these verses without spending some time with the “substance of things hoped for” It may be that all this means is that faith is a deep confidence that the promises of God will come true so that we may depend on them. That would be enough to free us from the fears and greed and worldliness that block the flow of radical, risk-taking, sacrificial love. If we have a strong conviction that God will care for us and bring us to glory and fulfill all his promises to us forever, then we will be free from self-indulgence and free for serving others. But I think it means more, or maybe this is just a way of filling up this meaning with all that's really here. The word "assurance" here can mean "nature" or "substance" or "reality" or "essence" in other places, for example, Hebrews 1:3 ("exact representation of God's nature"). If that is what is meant here, then we should think like this.

 

What could the "substance" or "nature" of things hoped for mean? I think it could mean that faith apprehends the goodness and the sweetness of what God promises so clearly that this goodness and sweetness are substantially present in faith. In other words, faith grasps, or lays hold of, God's preciousness so firmly that in the faith itself there is the substance of the goodness and the sweetness promised. Faith doesn't create what we hope for. That would be a mere mind game. Faith is a spiritual apprehending or perceiving or tasting or sensing of the beauty and sweetness and preciousness and goodness of what God promises - especially his own fellowship, and the enjoyment of his own presence.

 

Faith does not just feel confident that this is coming someday. Faith has spiritually laid hold of and perceived and tasted that it is real. And this means that faith has the substance or the nature of what is hoped for in it. Faith's enjoyment of the promise is a kind of substantial downpayment of the reality coming. Act on that kind of faith! That is the gift God has given to every one of His children!

 

The Essence of Faith - Pt. 5

 

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (Hebrews 11:1-3 ESV).

 

Continuing our thought from yesterday that faith is the "evidence of things unseen” we see that God created the world by his word. We can surmise the truth of this by looking at another passage from the Apostle Paul:

 

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:18-20 ESV).

 

The word "perceived" (v. 20) is the same word as in Hebrews 11:3, "By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God."

 

So, in both passages we understand the invisible word of God behind creation by faith. Paul seems to say that the evidence that God made the world is the things made. They clearly point to a Creator, or Maker. The writer of Hebrews seems to say that the evidence that God made the world is faith. Now think about this for a moment. Faith, at least in part, is the spiritual seeing or perceiving of the fingerprints of God on the things he has made. Now the fingerprints of God on the things he has made, that is the order, the beauty, the greatness, the "irreducible complexity" are the evidence that God made the world. But so is the seeing of these fingerprints a kind of evidence. It's just the other side of the coin.

 

I think that is the way faith is the evidence of things unseen. We all look at the same fingerprints, but some see and some don't. Those who see have the evidence - the testimony - in themselves. This will lead us to another discovery of the expanse of the work of grace in our lives. Today, thank God for giving you life and with that the knowledge fueled by faith to understand and experience its fulness! It is a glorious gift!