Hebrews 11:1-2

Hebrews 11: The Faith Hall of Fame

Hebrews 11 is one of the most popular chapters in Scripture. Most scholars describe it as the Faith Hall of Fame. It features individuals from the Old Testament who are highlighted not for their own works, but for their faith and what it produced.

This is a message about faith—not exhaustive, but focused on verses 1 and 2.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

These verses connect to the close of Hebrews 10:39, identifying those who are truly saved. The recipients are facing persecution for their public profession of faith, especially through baptism, which marked them as identified with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

Persecution pressures them to abandon Christianity and return to Judaism. There are those who professed faith but aren't genuinely saved, those who are authentic Christians preserved by the Holy Spirit, and those who haven't professed faith at all. If you've struggled with your salvation—due to persecution or the difficulty of Christian life—this book speaks to you.

What Is Faith?

What does it mean to believe? Faith is essential to salvation, but what is it exactly?

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God.

—Ephesians 2:8-9

Faith is a gift from God, placed in the heart by the Holy Spirit. It grows into saving faith.

We've all asked, "Am I saved?" amid trials, suffering, or temptation. Faith isn't mere historical acceptance—many atheists affirm Jesus existed and was crucified. It's not faith in miracles, which can be temporary, as in John 2 where people believed because of signs, but Jesus did not entrust Himself to them.

It's not temporary faith like the rocky soil in the parable of the soils, which falls away without root. Nor is it mere intellectual assent, as some claim.

The author defines faith after 10 chapters because he first establishes its object: the gospel. Hebrews lays the foundation—the sufficiency of Scripture, Christ's deity and humanity (hypostatic union), His high priestly work, specific atonement for His people.

The object of faith is Christ: crucified, resurrected, ascended, interceding. Man is enslaved to sin, fearing death, powerless—until faith realizes God's promise of salvation through His Son.

The Substance and Evidence of Faith

Faith is the substance (Greek: hypostasis) of things hoped for—a realization. Like trusting a chair to hold you: the chair bears the weight, not your faith. Faith realizes the gospel's promises as true for you—Christ died for your sins, intercedes for you.

It's also the evidence of things not seen—a conviction, demonstration. Faith bridges Christ's finished work to your life. You weren't at the cross, yet faith demonstrates its reality.

The 1689 London Baptist Confession describes it as accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life.

Doubt is faith's opposite, like a wave tossed by wind (James 1). Faith brings peace with God—order amid chaos, hope in grief (1 Thessalonians 4:13; Romans 8:24-25). We grieve, but not without hope.

Demonstrating Faith Through Repentance

Faith demonstrates through repentance. Jesus preached, "Repent and believe, for the kingdom is at hand."

But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

—Isaiah 66:2

Humility sees Christ as superior. Contrite means disciplined, not rebellious—Lordship salvation, perfected through love, service. Trembling at God's word takes warnings seriously, reveres Scripture.

True faith endures, as the "elders" (ancients) did, obtaining God's approval—not remembered for failings, but consistent trust in God's promises.

Seeking God's Approval

Do you concern yourself with God's approval in daily life? The elders gained His testimony through faith.

Genuine faith believes, trusts, relies, rests on Christ—realizing and demonstrating His work. Rejection is unbelief, leading to wrath. True believers glorify God, embrace purpose (Romans 8:28), love others, evangelize.

Identity with Christ brings world's enmity but hope, joy outweighing trials. Eternity awaits: seeing Christ face to face, received without reference to sin.

If struggling, recognize Hebrews' guarantee: Christ's work saves. Believers, persevere—yours is faith to the preserving of the soul (Hebrews 10:39).