What do we find in the lives of those whom God has given to us as examples of the saying, "The just shall live by faith"?

We note at once that the elders pleased God through faith. They understood that the material universe was fashioned by invisible, spiritual hands. They always looked past the visible in order to discover the path of life. How much wiser they were than the educated people today!

Abel portrays the joy of giving by faith. Cain's sacrifice was one of grudging duty. As a result there was bitter envying and strife in his heart. Abel sacrificed in faith, that is, his thank-offering was given in loving gratitude and trust.

God loves those who rejoice while they practice righteousness. Those who would see the fulfillment of God's promises must learn to serve the Lord with gladness. Religious duty performed in a spirit of strife and envy is worthless in the Kingdom. It does not result in gaining the riches of the Kingdom.

Those whose faith and patience we are to imitate believed that God rewards those who seek Him diligently. Apparently Enoch spent his days in just such a loving quest for God. In this manner he escaped physical death—that which is part of the curse imposed in Eden.

Noah reveals to us godly fear and the obedience that proceeds from godly fear. Let us take note. It is fashionable to teach and believe people should reverence, but not fear, God. This is why our age is characterized by immaturity and foolishness.

Noah's life was one of faith and patience. He will be raised with those of like character when the Lord Jesus returns from Heaven.

Abraham is the father of all who believe in Christ. He and his family are our example of "tenting," of not making the present world our home.

The life of Abraham teaches us that those who would inherit the promises of God must obey God regardless of the consequences; also, that our life in the present age must be a quest for the "city that hath foundations." That city is the new Jerusalem, the Kingdom of God.

We will be made perfect together with Abraham provided we follow his example of faith and patience. What patience Abraham exercised! What faith!

Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, portraying his unshakable faith that what God has promised God will perform.

Notice how the patriarchs coped in a balanced and successful manner with the problem of bringing into reality what already has been completed in vision. They did not state it had happened already. Rather they demonstrated their conviction that what God had spoken was certain of fulfillment. They demonstrated faith in a future over which the Lord exercises total control.

By giving commandment concerning his bones Joseph emphasized the sense of continuity that is a necessary part of the thinking of those who would participate in the rest of God, in the work of fulfilling the vision of restoration. Joseph knew that the work of redemption would continue until the perfect Day.

To be continued.