Study Desk

For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, [fn] not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Now the [fn] just shall live by faith;But if anyone draws back,My soul has no pleasure in him." Habakkuk 2:3, 4 ">[fn]

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Genesis 4:1-16; 5:18-24; 6:5-8:22">[xr] By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; Genesis 5:24">[fn] for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-7">[xr] By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;

By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child [fn] when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, [fn] embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Genesis 22:1-14; 48:8-16; 50:22-25">[xr] By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.

By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.

Exodus 2:1-10; 12:31-51">[xr] By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command.