Topical Bible: Faith by It Saints: Obtain a Good Report

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Faith, as a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It is through faith that the saints of old obtained a good report, serving as exemplars of trust and obedience to God. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," provides a comprehensive list of these individuals whose lives were marked by their unwavering faith.

Abel: Abel's faith is demonstrated through his offering to God, which was more acceptable than Cain's. By faith, he was commended as righteous, and though he is long dead, he still speaks through his faith (Hebrews 11:4).

Enoch: Enoch's faith was so profound that he did not experience death. He was taken up by God because he pleased Him. His life exemplifies the belief that without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:5-6).

Noah: Noah's faith led him to build an ark in holy fear, saving his family from the flood. His actions condemned the world and made him an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith (Hebrews 11:7).

Abraham: Known as the father of faith, Abraham obeyed God's call to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going, and lived in tents as a foreigner in the promised land. His faith was credited to him as righteousness (Hebrews 11:8-10).

Sarah: By faith, Sarah received the power to conceive, even when she was past the age, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. Her faith contributed to the birth of a nation (Hebrews 11:11-12).

Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph: These patriarchs demonstrated faith in their blessings and prophecies concerning future generations. Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau regarding their futures, Jacob blessed each of Joseph's sons, and Joseph spoke of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt (Hebrews 11:20-22).

Moses: Moses' faith led him to refuse the privileges of Egyptian royalty, choosing instead to suffer with the people of God. He left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger, and kept the Passover, leading the Israelites through the Red Sea (Hebrews 11:23-29).

Rahab: The faith of Rahab, a prostitute, was demonstrated when she welcomed the spies and was not killed with those who were disobedient. Her faith led to her inclusion in the lineage of Christ (Hebrews 11:31).

Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the Prophets: These individuals, through faith, conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of flames, and escaped the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength, and they became powerful in battle (Hebrews 11:32-34).

The saints' faith was not without trials. Many faced jeers, flogging, chains, imprisonment, and even death. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and holes in the ground. Despite these hardships, they were all commended for their faith, yet none received what had been promised in their lifetime, as God had planned something better for us, so that only together with us would they be made perfect (Hebrews 11:35-40).

The faith of these saints serves as a testament to the power and necessity of faith in the life of a believer. Their accounts encourage Christians to persevere in faith, trusting in God's promises and His ultimate plan for redemption.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 11:2
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer and Faith (Continued)
... and women after the fashion of the saints and heroes ... Hebrews, who "obtained a good
report through faith," that the ... Many men, of this day, obtain a good report ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ii prayer and faith continued.htm

1 Thessalonians iii. 8-May
... where indeed he feared concerning the faith itself, "I ... And whence did Abraham obtain
a good report? ... For strongly, strongly, were the Saints affected with love ...
/.../homily iv 1 thessalonians iii.htm

Unbelievers Upbraided
... and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance: that they might obtain a better ...
What wondrous faith it was which sustained the saints under the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/unbelievers upbraided.htm

Assault Upon the Monks, and Banishment of their Superiors, who ...
... that through their sufferings others might obtain the salvation ... with a loud voice
to these saints of God ... the inhabitants of the island to the Christian faith. ...
/.../chapter xxiv assault upon the monks.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... of glory, wherein these who overcome this world by faith in the ... be glad to have that
blessed hope, and obtain the salvation which the saints look for ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii but seek ye.htm

On the Coming of Our Lord in the Flesh; Its Nature and Cause.
... addressed "to the assembly of the saints." Chapter XI ... of virtue and self-control
may obtain, according to ... and hoping for the promises of faith; [3430] devoted ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xi on the coming of.htm

Bunyan -- the Heavenly Footman
... his style have been highly praised, and his unflinching faith has been ... "So run that
ye may obtain.". ... apt similitude to set before the eyes of the saints of the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bunyan the heavenly footman.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... the more and willingly fight and suffer to obtain possession, to ... appropriated to
you in the Word and in faith. ... calls it "the inheritance of the saints in light ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

Good Earnests of Great Success
... is before every church, either to obtain such prosperity ... is to be active in spreading
the faith which was ... the ministers, but delivered to the saints, to every ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/good earnests of great success.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy ... thank my God for you all, that
your faith is spoken ... The saints of God in all ages have met with unmerciful ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm