Hebrews 11:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.

NIV: People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.

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

CSB: Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.

NLT: Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own.

KJV: For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

NKJV: For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.

According to the writer of Hebrews, faith in God is a matter of trust (Hebrews 11:1). The prior verses were meant to explain how that trust, in a general sense, is reflected in our willingness to obey God despite not having a perfect understanding of His plans. Figures such as Noah and Abraham had to choose obedience before they had a full understanding of how God would make good on His word. In some cases, such as Abraham and Sarah, they did not live to see the complete fulfillment of those predictions. And yet, they had faith in God, because their faith was "looking forward," understanding that God's ultimate purpose for them was eternal, not earthly (Hebrews 11:10).

This point is emphasized in the next verse by noting that, if figures like Abraham were merely looking for an earthly home, they could always have gone back to where they started (Genesis 12:1–4). And yet, they did not.

So, those with a trusting, forward-looking faith are said to be "seeking a homeland." Instead of relying on this earth as our ultimate end, saved believers can be confident that God's ability to work all things for good extends into eternity. In short, faith in God includes a recognition that this life is not all there is, and that what happens in our time on earth is only a temporary step towards what God has in store for us.

Hebrews 11:4–16 gives examples of figures from the Old Testament who demonstrated faith in God and were blessed as a result. Persons such as Abel, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah are commended for their trust in God's promises. In particular, this segment of the book of Hebrews focuses on those who heard from God, obeyed, and were blessed. While their actions are important, the common theme of these early references is obedience to God when fulfillment of His promises seems distant. The following passage will explore a similar idea, but in the context of those who demonstrated faith in the face of more immediate hardship.

True, godly faith is defined as trust, relying on God when looking to the future, and obeying even when we don't fully understand all details. The great figures of the Old Testament, such as Abraham, Moses, and David, all lived according to this type of faith. Ultimately, that means trusting God's intent to make good on His promises from an eternal perspective. The model of faith presented by those people, in light of the struggles they faced, ought to inspire Christians towards a more confident, purposeful faith.

Up to this point, the book of Hebrews has given extensive evidence proving that Jesus Christ, and the new covenant He brought about, is God's ultimate plan for mankind's salvation. Chapter 10 provided an additional warning about the danger of falling away from this truth. Chapter 11 begins by clarifying the meaning of the word ''faith,'' primarily by listing examples of Old Testament figures who exemplify it. The ultimate application of this knowledge should be a motivation to ''hold fast'' to the gospel, despite hardships. That encouragement is a major theme of chapter 12.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.