Hebrews 11:1-12:13

This passage has spoken to me today. Hebrews 11:4 says that Abel "obtained the testimony [from God] that he was righteous." Verse 11:5 says that Enoch obtained the witness [from God] that he was pleasing to God." Verses 35-40 summarize others who also obtained a testimony from God, but most of those people were not successful, from outward appearances, and did not receive deliverance. But they obtained the testimony from God, through their faith, that they were righteous, or pleased God. I'm sure this helped them not to grow weary or lose heart as they endured (12:3). Their faith was in the faithfulness of the Christ (chapter 10). So it's God's testimony, not man's, and not outward success, that counts for eternity. This encourages me.