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"THESE ALL DIED IN FAITH" "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." (Hebrews 11:13)The 11th chapter of Hebrews has often been referred to as "God's Hall of Faith." Whenever I read this this chapter, I see it as a celebration of faith, showing its transforming power in the lives of those who trusted in God. It provides a comforting reminder that faith is not about obtaining immediate results, but about maintaining hope and assurance in God's promises. From verse 4 thru verse 32, the writer gives us the names of some 18 people. In verse 32 we find the words, "and of the prophets." Now, the "prophets" were not listed by name, (although we could easily come up with their names,) the "prophets" certainly had a common bond with the 18 people listed by name, that being, they were people of faith. Not only did those folks live by faith; we also learn that "These all died in faith."Some died of sickness. Some died of old age. Some died by violent means. Nevertheless, with the exception regarding Enoch, they all died. But we do know this: "These all died in faith."Dying in faith has a reference to the PAST. They believed in and trusted Almighty God that their sins would be forgiven.Dying in faith has a reference to the PRESENT. They enjoyed the fellowship of God everyday with the beams of His love walking with them.Dying in faith has a reference to the FUTURE. Their bodies simply fell asleep one day, confident that they would awake in His likeness and see Him as He is.Shall not we then who live by faith also die in faith? Shall not we then like Moses who "endured as seeing him who is invisible?" (v. 32) Shall not we then, as the chapter comes to a close having it said of us also, "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith," (v.39) Friends, take heart as you read the epitaphs in Hebrews 11. Remember their toils. Remember their trials. Remember their testimonies. But above all remember their triumph, "These all died in faith." May our lives one day say the same.