15. If they had been thinking about that country they had left, they could have gone back.
16. But those men were waiting for a better country—a heavenly country. So God is not ashamed to be called their God. For he has prepared a city for them.
17. It was by faith that Abraham offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice. God made the promises to Abraham. But God tested him. And Abraham was ready to offer his own son as a sacrifice.
18. God had said, “The descendants I promised you will be from Isaac.”
19. Abraham believed that God could raise the dead. And really, it was as if Abraham got Isaac back from death.
20. It was by faith that Isaac blessed the future of Jacob and Esau.
21. It was by faith that Jacob blessed each one of Joseph’s sons. He did this while he was dying. Then he worshiped as he leaned on the top of his walking stick.
22. It was by faith that Joseph spoke about the Israelites leaving Egypt while he was dying. He told them what to do with his body.
23. It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born. They saw that Moses was a beautiful baby. And they were not afraid to disobey the king’s order.
24. It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of the king of Egypt’s daughter.
25. He chose to suffer with God’s people instead of enjoying sin for a short time.
26. He thought that it was better to suffer for the Christ than to have all the treasures of Egypt. He was looking only for God’s reward.
27. It was by faith that Moses left Egypt. He was not afraid of the king’s anger. Moses continued strong as if he could see the God that no one can see.
28. It was by faith that Moses prepared the Passover and spread the blood on the doors. It was spread so that the one who brings death would not kill the firstborn sons of Israel.
29. It was by faith that the people crossed the Red Sea as if it were dry land. The Egyptians also tried to do it, but they were drowned.
30. It was by faith that the walls of Jericho fell. They fell after the people had marched around the walls of Jericho for seven days.
31. It was by faith that Rahab, the prostitute, welcomed the spies and was not killed with those who refused to obey God.
32. Do I need to give more examples? I do not have time to tell you about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets.
33. Through their faith they defeated kingdoms. They did what was right and received what God promised. They shut the mouths of lions,