Study Desk

Now faith is the ^(C1)certainty of things ^(F1)(C2)hoped for, a ^(F2)proof of ^(C3)things not seen.

For by it the ^(C1)people of old ^(F1)(C2)gained approval.

By faith ^(C1)Abraham, when he was called, obeyed ^(F1)by going out to a place which he was to ^(C2)receive for an inheritance; and he left, not knowing where he was going.

By faith he lived as a stranger in ^(C1)the land of promise, as in a foreign land, ^(C2)living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, ^(C3)fellow heirs of the same promise;

for he was looking for ^(C1)the city which has ^(C2)foundations, ^(C3)whose architect and builder is God.

^(C1)All these died in faith, ^(C2)without receiving the promises, but ^(C3)having seen and welcomed them from a distance, and ^(C4)having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.

And indeed if they had been ^(F1)thinking of that country which they left, ^(C1)they would have had opportunity to return.

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a ^(C1)heavenly one. Therefore ^(C2)God is not ^(F1)ashamed to be ^(C3)called their God; for ^(C4)He has prepared a city for them.