“Time Would Fail Me To Tell” | Grace & Truth, Inc

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Feature 1 – March 2023 – Grace & Truth Magazine
“Time Would Fail Me To Tell” If anyone were asked to direct an inquirer to a Bible passage dealing with the topic of faith, it is very likely that Hebrews 11 would be suggested. The chapter has often been described as “the honor roll of faith,” listing men and women of past generations who triumphed by faith. Many sermons have been preached from this chapter, and inspiring books have been written which provide us with encouragement as we seek to follow in the steps of the faithful. Some of the characters described in Hebrews 11, such as Abraham and Moses, are given significant attention. Others like Noah and Isaac are only mentioned in passing. Then there are those who are not named but can be identified. When we read of some who “stopped the mouths of lions” (v.33 KJV), we automatically recall Daniel’s experience (Dan. 6). The words “quenched the violence of fire” (Heb. 11:34) might refer to his three friends who were cast alive into the burning fiery furnace (Dan. 3). The list of names is by no means exhaustive. The author was clearly aware that many more individuals could have been considered, but the time would fail him if he were to elaborate upon the details (Heb. 11:32). The constraints of time and space are still with us today! Magazine articles, with a limited number of pages available, cannot possibly present everything which could be written about a particular topic. If the inspired author of Hebrews had to restrict his comments, how much greater is the sense of inadequacy felt by the writers of this magazine! Rather than singling out some of the individuals mentioned in the chapter – profitable though that would be – in this article we will examine four simple but significant statements found in Hebrews 11 which relate to believers today. Faith’s Definition
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. —Hebrews 11:1 If the topic of faith is to be discussed, it is important to lay a reliable foundation. How can we explain what faith is? The previous chapter referred to “full assurance of faith” (10:22) and also quoted the Old Testament statement that “the just shall live by faith” (v.38). It is abundantly clear that faith does not cause a soul to retreat, for God will “have no pleasure” (v.38) in the soul that deliberately draws back. Faith, therefore, leads us on in the things of God – but what is faith? The opening verse of Hebrews 11 provides an answer to that question. The word “faith” means “firm persuasion” and therefore does not describe a quality that is vague or intangible. Being “the substance of things hoped for” means that faith gives substance or reality to that for which we hope. It provides evidence, proof or conviction of that which is hidden from our sight. The first readers of this epistle valued what they could see and were familiar with the splendid and elaborate temple rituals. It seemed wrong to be asked to trade what could be seen for that which was invisible. We can think of them saying, “We want proof about the life of faith. What really makes it so important?” The author of this epistle, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, established the meaning of faith and furnished examples from their own Old Testament Scriptures to convince them of the point which he was making. Bible commentator F.B. Hole (1874–1964) wrote: “Faith is the telescope that brings into our view the unseen verities of which God speaks.” Those words are both concise and helpful. God speaks to us of “unseen verities” – of truths which remain hidden from our human sight. By exercising faith we have these truths brought into our view so we might grasp them. Faith’s Demonstration
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. —Hebrews 11:6 We have already pointed out that although faith relates to that which is “not seen,” faith is not intangible. It must provide demonstration of its presence. How can this be done? The answer is found in the second significant verse. Although God finds no pleasure in those who draw back, He does find pleasure in faith. In fact, without faith it is utterly impossible to please Him. Many imagine that by being religious and sincere it will somehow be possible to earn God’s favor. The word “impossible” in this verse rules that idea out completely. The only way to please Him is by exercising faith. The remainder of the verse provides further enlightenment. First, we must believe in the existence of the invisible God: “we must believe that He is.” Second, we must take Him at His word. He has identified Himself as “a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Jeremiah 29:13 states emphatically, “And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” The seeker after God will never be disappointed. Notice, this verse is not addressed to triflers who are half-hearted or insincere. Those who are genuine in their search for God will find Him, for He guarantees to reveal Himself to them. Hebrews 11:6 is often used in presenting the gospel message to show the necessity for faith. Elsewhere we read: “For by grace are ye saved through faith” (Eph. 2:8). Our faith is simply and yet sincerely demonstrated by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who receive the salvation which God offers freely “please Him.” Faith’s Determination
These … were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. —Hebrews 11:13 Determination is a quality which can be applied to all the heroes of faith. When Abraham was called to go out into a place which he should afterwards receive for an inheritance, he “obeyed” (v.8). Very simply, “he went out” in response to the call of God (v.8) because he was looking “for a city … whose builder and maker is God” (v.10). Although the account of his life in Genesis reveals the fact that he did raise questions from time to time, the discussion of his faith in Hebrews 11 adopts a different perspective. The writer emphasized that Abraham’s life was one of moving on in the purposes of God. The example of Abraham illustrates perfectly that which should characterize all of God’s people, because he was constantly looking ahead rather than looking back. Ur of the Chaldees, from where he originated, lay behind him (Gen. 11:28). Had he “been mindful of that country” from which he had been called, he “might have had opportunity to have returned” (Heb. 11:15). Ur, however, had no further appeal to him. Abraham desired “a better country … an heavenly [one]” (v.16). His confession was that he was a stranger and pilgrim on the earth (v.13) and did not belong here. He was going somewhere far better! The two expressions used about Abraham are highly descriptive. A stranger is someone who does not belong where he is. He is different in character from those among whom he lives. A pilgrim is one who is traveling through the land. Like the stranger, he does not belong; but in his case he is on a journey to another place where he will truly be at home. Believers today, like Abraham, are strangers and pilgrims. They do not belong in this sinful world and cannot feel at home here. They are people who possess the same steadfast determination. Like the patriarchs, they are seeking a home outside of this world. They do not look back longingly at the life from which they have been delivered. No, they are people of purpose. They share Abraham’s determination to please God. Not only have they sought God wholeheartedly (Jer. 29:13), but they are also now seeking the heavenly country and the city which will be their eternal home. Are you seeking “those things which are above” (Col. 3:1)? Faith’s Destination
God having provided some better thing for us. —Hebrews 11:40 The closing verses of the chapter certainly emphasize the determination of the Old Testament saints. Some “were tortured, not accepting deliverance” (v.35), while “others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings” (v.36). Our hearts should be touched as we read of the cruel treatment meted out on those righteous yet humble believers, “of whom the world was not worthy” (v.38). Why did they not yield to the pressure and choose an easier pathway for themselves? The answer is they looked ahead to the final destination. These Old Testament believers all lived before the coming of Christ, even though they knew of His promised advent, or coming. Abraham had “rejoiced” to see Christ’s day (Jn. 8:56), but his vision was limited. Living as we do after Calvary, we can see so much more. Hebrews 12:2 directs us to “Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who … is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” In other words, we must not draw a line under Hebrews 11:40 and fail to take note of the words which follow. “Some better thing” has been provided for us. The context of Hebrews would indicate that this “better thing” is Christianity with all its heavenly blessings. The New Testament has revealed to us the coming of the Lord Jesus and His sacrificial death for sinners at the cross. It has also revealed Him as risen from the dead and ascended to heaven where He is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God as our exalted Lord. One day He will arise from that throne upon which He is seated and return into the air to call His people to be with Him forever (1 Th. 4:14-17). God’s purpose is that the Old Testament saints will not be made perfect without us. They will reach perfection – and so will we! What a privileged position we occupy! We can easily “be wearied and faint in [our] minds” (Heb. 12:3) as we journey through this sinful and hostile world. We need to be men and women of faith, whose attention is focused upon heaven. Inspiration can be drawn from the Old Testament saints who walked by faith and “endured, as seeing Him who is invisible” (11:27). But we can be inspired even more powerfully by our Lord Jesus Christ, who glorified His Father through His life of perfect obedience. Therefore “let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus” (12:1-2) as we journey home. By Martin GirardColossians 1:21-23NKJV And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight – if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven.