This Great Cloud of Witnesses had faith in Christ

© 2016 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

Scripture describes a great “ cloud of witnesses ” who looked forward to “Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”

“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, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

This passage immediately follows an impressive parade of Old Testament men and women of faith who yearned for a future heavenly kingdom, rather than the earthly one in which they then lived.  It says of them,

“…they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:16).

Christ referred to this city when He said, to His disciples,

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).

Abel, Abraham, Sara, Moses, King David, Isaiah, women who “received their dead raised to life again,” and many others, were among these people of faith (Hebrews 11:1-40).  This chapter has sometimes been called “the hall of fame of faith.”

This great cloud of witnesses anticipated, and trusted, this great Savior, Christ, the Lord!  No one was ever redeemed by anyone other than Christ, who gave His life as a blood sacrifice to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).  Scripture emphatically declares that Old Testament animal sacrifices could never pay for sins.

“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4).

Christ is the only one who ever did, or ever shall save anyone.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Have you come to Him?

 

 

You may leave comments for Tom & Kathy (website administrators) below.