Study Desk

But without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that cometh to God must believe that he is: and is a rewarder to them that seek him.

By faith Noe, having received an answer concerning those things which as yet were not seen, moved with fear, framed the ark for the saving of his house: by the which he condemned the world and was instituted heir of the justice which is by faith.

By faith he that is called Abraham obeyed to go out into a place which he was to receive for an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing whither he went.

For he looked for a city that hath foundations: whose builder and maker is God.

For which cause there sprung even from one (and him as good as dead) as the stars of heaven in multitude and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

For they that say these things do signify that they seek a country.

But now they desire a better, that is to say, a heavenly country. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Accounting that God is able to raise up even from the dead. Whereupon also he received him for a parable.

Rather choosing to be afflicted with the people of God than to have the pleasure of sin for a time:

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasure of the Egyptians. For he looked unto the reward.

By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the fierceness of the king: for he endured, as seeing him that is invisible.

And what shall I yet say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, Barac, Samson, Jephthe, David, Samuel, and the prophets:

God providing some better thing for us, that they should not be perfected without us.

For think diligently upon him that endured such opposition from sinners against himself that you be not wearied, fainting in your minds.

For you have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

For whom the Lord loveth he chastiseth: and he scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Persevere under discipline. God dealeth with you as with his sons. For what son is there whom the father doth not correct?

Moreover, we have had fathers of our flesh for instructors, and we reverenced them. Shall we not much more obey the Father of spirits and live?

And they indeed for a few days, according to their own pleasure, instructed us: but he, for our profit, that we might receive his sanctification.

Now all chastisement for the present indeed seemeth not to bring with it joy, but sorrow: but afterwards it will yield to them that are exercised by it the most peaceable fruit of justice.