The Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11 highlights the central role of faith in the life of every believer and demons/”>demonstrates that God’s people have always lived by faith. This chapter surveys examples from the Old Testament to show that salvation and perseverance have never been based on works or rituals, but on trusting God’s promises.
The writer begins with a definition:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith gives certainty to what God has promised, even when it cannot be seen. The chapter then lists men and women who believed God despite hardships, delays, and circumstances that seemed impossible:
Abel offered a better sacrifice by faith (Hebrews 11:4).
Enoch pleased God and was taken without seeing death (Hebrews 11:5).
Noah built the ark, warned of things not yet seen (Hebrews 11:7).
Abraham obeyed God, left his homeland, and looked for a heavenly city (Hebrews 11:8–10).
Sarah believed God’s promise of a child despite her barrenness (Hebrews 11:11).
Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come (Hebrews 11:20).
Jacob blessed Joseph’s sons and worshiped leaning on his staff (Hebrews 11:21).
Joseph spoke of the exodus and gave instructions about his bones (Hebrews 11:22).
Moses’ parents hid him by faith (Hebrews 11:23).
Moses chose God’s people over Egypt’s treasures and kept the Passover (Hebrews 11:24–28).
Israelites crossed the Red Sea by faith (Hebrews 11:29).
Rahab welcomed the spies and was spared (Hebrews 11:31).
The writer also mentions others briefly:
Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets who subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, and endured persecution (Hebrews 11:32–38).
These examples show that faith acts on God’s Word, trusts His character, and perseveres through trials. The chapter also acknowledges those who suffered for their faith:
“They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword… of whom the world was not worthy.” (Hebrews 11:37–38)
This demonstrates that faith does not guarantee ease or earthly success but focuses on eternal reward:
“But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.” (Hebrews 11:16)
The Hall of Faith points to Jesus as the ultimate example, which the next chapter emphasizes:
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)
In summary, Hebrews 11 calls believers to live by faith, anchored in God’s promises, regardless of circumstances, with eyes fixed on the eternal inheritance in Christ.
