All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:13-16 NIV
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews defines Biblical faith in two ways. First, it tells us that faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Heb. 11:1). And that anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Heb. 11:6).
Then, the chapter defines faith by example, recounting many Old Testament men and women who lived by faith. People whose faith was not just a matter of intellectual belief. But a faith that led them to specific actions, actions that were a response to their belief in the existence of God and an expectation that God would reward their actions.
But each of them died without receiving their reward, the things promised. The author of Hebrews tells us they saw their reward in the distance, a reward beyond this life, and they looked forward to it. And, by that, they demonstrated that this world was not their true home. They were only foreigners and strangers on earth, looking for their own country. And, because of that, God has prepared an eternal city for them (Rev. 21:1-22:5).
The author of Hebrews tells us about these people, not to exalt them, but to encourage us to follow their example. To live by faith—a faith that is demonstrated in what we do. Because faith that does not result in actions on our part is not a genuine faith. And to live as foreigners and strangers in this world, looking forward to the eternal home God has prepared for those who live by faith.
