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 (Heb. 11:13).
It is most certainly true, that all men shall die (Heb. 9:27). However, it is not true that all men shall die in faith, for all men have not the faith of God’s elect (Titus 1:1). Those who die in faith are those given to Christ Jesus in the eternal covenant of grace (Eph. 1:3-6). Those who die in faith are those for whom the Lord Jesus Christ lived as high priest to represent us (Heb. 2:17) and died as the atoning sacrifice to redeem and justify us (Heb. 9:12; 26). Those who die in faith are those for whom the Lord Jesus Christ as the forerunner occupies the very throne of God as Advocate and Mediator (Heb. 6:20, 7:25; 1John 2:1; 1Tim. 2:5). Those who die in faith are those who have heard the gospel of God’s sovereign grace in Christ and have been given life to believe and trust Christ alone for all their righteousness before God (2Cor. 5:17; 1John 5:1). Those who die in faith are those who live by faith (Heb. 10:38), looking to the Lord Jesus Christ to provide all things in salvation for us (Heb. 12:2; Phil. 4:19). Those who die in faith are those who are “persuaded” the gospel is true (Rom. 4:20). Believers do “embrace” and love all the promises of God in Christ (2Cor. 1:20). The redeemed will “confess” that they are looking and longing for our heavenly inheritance in Christ (Heb. 11:10). Those made new by His grace “declare plainly” that they are seekers of Christ (Heb. 11:6). God’s sheep have all things better in Christ (Heb. 11:16), a better hope, a better covenant, a perfect sacrifice, a glorious inheritance and eternal salvation (Heb. 7:19, 22; 8:6; 9:12).
Oh, my friend what a privilege to be granted and given faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8-9). No wonder Peter called it, “precious faith” (2Peter 1:2). Oh, for grace to trust Christ more and more. What a blessed privilege to live by faith and what a great privilege to die in faith. The Lord said, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them (Rev. 14:13). The Lord said, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15). - Tom Harding
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