Below is an exert from Hebrews: Twenty-Six Simple Studies in God’s Plan for Victorious Living by M. R. DeHaan
The Heroes of Faith1This is the name often given to those “Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (Heb. 11:33-38) “looked beyond the immediate and the present. They translated all their trials into terms of the future; they weighed all their sacrifices in the balances of eternity. They had their eyes on the reward. They were not satisfied with “little” faith, but strove for a conquering faith. They, like Paul, counted all things but loss for the prize at the end of the race. It is mentioned over and over again. Notice verse six: ‘…he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Heb. 11:6).’
Of Abraham it is said that when God called him, he obeyed and went, not knowing whither God was leading him, For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:10).
These overcomers saw the rewards afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country (Heb. 11:13, 14).
Again and again in this chapter we are reminded of the secret of victory in keeping our eyes fixed upon the future glory. When these conquerors were tortured and tried and threatened with death, they refused deliverance…that they might obtain a better resurrection (Heb. 11:35).
What is meant by a better resurrection? Every believer will be present at the first resurrection of the saved at Jesus’ coming for His own, but all believers will not ‘obtain a better resurrection.’ Only the overcomers will share in this, for we cannot receive an overcomer’s crown without overcoming. At the resurrection and the Judgment Seat of Christ, the rewards will be distributed on the basis of our present faithfulness. Some will be ashamed at His coming; some will be saved ‘so as by fire,’ some will fail to receive a full reward, while others will obtain a ‘better resurrection.’ It may be translated, ‘something additional and better at the resurrection.’
If these Old Testament heroes with the limited light and opportunities were able to overcome, then what excuse can we give with all the added light which we possess, when we meet Jesus? For we have much more promised than they. The chapter closes with a reminder of this. It climaxes the whole argument.
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect (Heb. 11:39, 40).
These saints did not receive their rewards when they died and went to the place of the saved. They must wait until we also appear for our rewards. God has something better for us. We are members of the Body of Christ. We shall, if we are faithful, reign over the earth. Paul says to Timothy: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him (II Tim. 2:12).
And these Old Testament overcomers must, therefore, wait until that day when Jesus comes to be glorified in His saints, that they without us should not be made perfect (complete] (Heb. 11:40b).2Hebrews: Twenty-Six Simple Studies in God’s Plan for Victorious Living by M. R. DeHaan pp 160-161
Our faith determines our salvation; our faithfulness determines our rewards. And the secret – worshiping, walking, working, with our eyes on Jesus, so, let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking to Jesus the author and finisher our faith (Heb. 12:1, 2).
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