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Hebrews 11:6, tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. In fact, the eleventh chapter is called the FAITH chapter because it gives us many examples of the great faith and sacrifices of the elders of old who obtained a good report because of their faith.
Then we are given an admonition in Hebrews 12:1. “Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Simply, since these witnesses show us how they found favor with God, we must follow their example and finish our race by faith.
The “sin that doth so easily beset us” is described in Hebrews 3:12. “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” This was another admonition written to the people of God. We must shield our hearts from unbelief by putting on the breastplate of faith and love. (1 Thess. 5:5-8) Also Ephesians 6:11-17 says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Jesus said in the last part of Luke 18:8, “Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” We are living in perilous times and the love and faith of many has waxed cold. Saints of God, we have been given great and precious promises by God. We must hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised). (Hebrews 10:23,35) “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” (1 John 5:4) “For whosoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
Let us be strong in faith and righteousness so that we may enter into the joys the Lord has prepared for those that love Him.