Hebrews 11:1-16 ▼

1 NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, just as it was the substance of things which have come to pass; and it is the evidence of things not seen,

2 And in this way it became a testimonial of the elders.

3 For it is through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen came to be from those which are not seen.

4 It was by faith, Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice to God than Cain, and because of this, he received a testimonial that he was righteous, and God testified to his offering: therefore, even though he is dead, he speaks.

5 By faith Enoch departed and did not taste death, and he was not found, because God transferred him: but before he took him away, there was a testimonial about him, that he pleased God.

6 Without faith, man cannot please God: for he who comes near to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.

7 By faith Noah, when he was warned concerning the things not seen, became fearful and he made an ark to save his household, and by it he condemned the world and he became heir of righteousness which is by faith.

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to depart for the land which he was to receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.

9 By faith he became a sojourner in the land which was promised him as in a strange country, and he dwelt in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 Through faith also Sarah who was barren, received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she was sure that he who had promised her was faithful.

12 Therefore, there sprang from one who was as good as dead, as many as the stars of the sky in number, and as the sand which is on the sea shore innumerable.

13 These all died in faith not having received the promised land, but they saw it from afar off, and rejoiced in it; and they acknowledged that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth.

14 For they who speak so, declare plainly that they seek a country for themselves.

15 And if they had a desire for that very country from which they went out, they had time to return to it again.

16 But now it is evident, that they desire a better city, that city which is in heaven: therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city.