READ: Heb. 11:32-40: through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, … out of weakness were made strong .. had trial of mockings and scourgings, … They were stoned … were tempted … being destitute, afflicted, tormented. … of whom the world was not worthy. … And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us …
The author of the letter concludes this chapter with a summarizing section highlighting expressions of persevering faith in many others. Without mentioning all their names, he alludes to the faith of various leaders from the time of the judges and prophets like Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha, as well as King David. Through their persevering faith, they achieved various victories over the enemy and overcame resistance and dangers (v.32-35a).
They obtained what was promised to them (v.33), but that was not yet the great promise of the Christ who would come and complete His work (v.39). Through faith, they received a good testimony from God. He showed them His approval (11:2, 4, 5).
This also applied to those who, because of their obedience to God, experienced suffering, difficulties, oppression, mistreatment, torture, and other horrors (v.35b-38). They endured this through their persevering faith. Their faith, which they demonstrated in those circumstances, was pleasing to the LORD.
However, they, too, did not obtain the ultimate fulfillment of the promise (v.39). Why not? Because God also had His eye on us, who live later. God desires that all His chosen children share in the eternal, perfect glory on the day of fulfillment, the last day.
That is “something better” compared to a portion of them. He does not want any of His chosen ones to be lost (John 10:28; 18:9; 2 Pet. 3:9). Therefore, that day cannot arrive until all of His own are forever redeemed by Christ, the High Priest, who will then be the Judge.
What is our great goal in persevering in faith?
Singing: Ps. 106:24