I N D E X
164
PERFECTION
PERDITION
164
OR
`He being dead yet speaketh' (verse 4).
`Enoch was translated that he should not see death' (verse 5).
The next pair, Noah and Abraham, are related to an inheritance:
Noah `became heir of the righteousness which is by faith' (verse 7).
Abraham `was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance' (verse 8).
Isaac and Jacob are mentioned as dwelling in tents, heirs with Abraham of the same promise, and looking for a
city which hath foundations, so emphasizing their pilgrim character. Sarah and Abraham are by this arrangement
brought together in the centre. Here resurrection is the theme.
Sarah `received strength to conceive seed ... of ... him as good as dead' (verses 11,12).
Abraham `offered up his only begotten son ... accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from
whence also he received him in a figure' (verses 17-19).
Isaac and Jacob are both mentioned together in connection with blessing that overruled the flesh.
Isaac `blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come' (verse 20).
Jacob `blessed both the sons of Joseph' (verse 21).
Joseph and Moses are both closely associated with Egypt. Joseph spoke of the exodus of the children of Israel
(verse 22). Moses turned his back upon the treasures of Egypt (verse 26). Israel and Rahab conclude the series.
Both are associated with the fall of Jericho and with being spared during judgment. Israel were saved, while Egypt's
firstborn perished and the Egyptians were drowned in the Red Sea (verse 29). Rahab `perished not with them that
believed not' (verse 31). Thus we have the perfect white light of faith split up into its seven parts:
A Faith in connection with DEATH - Abel and Enoch.
B Faith in connection with INHERITANCE - Noah and Abraham.
C Faith in connection with PILGRIMAGE - Isaac and Jacob.
D Faith in connection with RESURRECTION -
Sarah and Abraham.
C Faith in connection with BLESSING - Isaac and Jacob.
B Faith in connection with EGYPT - Joseph and Moses.
A Faith in connection with DELIVERANCE - Israel and Rahab.
The three chief features, viz., beginning, middle, and end, emphasize death, resurrection, and deliverance.
A principle of interpretation.
The way in which we are to interpret this series is suggested in Hebrews 12:24. Concerning Abel's faith
Hebrews 11:4 says, `he being dead yet speaketh' and in Hebrews 12:24 we read of the blood of sprinkling that
`speaketh better things than Abel'. Here is a principle of interpretation. Hebrews 11 are types; `the better things'
are found in Christ. We can say that Christ's well-pleasing walk speaketh `better things' than that of Enoch, and so
of all the rest. It is helpful to see the rays of light separated and set forth in this example, but their chief good is that
they enable us the better to appreciate the fulness that there is in Christ.
The seven-fold analysis of perfected faith that occupies the bulk of Hebrews 11 is introduced by a statement that
reveals the underlying and essential character of this faith in all and every one of its manifestations; `Now faith is
the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen' This passage may be taken apart from its
context as a general definition of faith, but its real force can only be appreciated as it is seen at the head of this
seven-fold exposition of perfected faith.
Moreover, viewing the statement in its context, it cannot be separated from the closing words of chapter 10.
There the believer is seen `losing' in this life, but sustained by the consciousness of that `possession of a better and
more lasting nature' (10:34), which was held in faith and prospect. The words immediately preceding the definition
of faith in Hebrews 11:1 speak of a future day when those who have `lost their soul' for Christ's sake shall `gain' or