The word “therefore” is a bridge that connects us back to the so-called “Heroes of Faith” in chapter 11. Name after name is given of men and women who pressed on by faith! They were not perfect, but they were persistent! What caused them to push forward despite the obstacles they faced? It was the Object set before them! The Object of their faith was greater than any obstacle they faced! Whether it is worship, walking with God, working for God, or obedience to His Word, the endurance and strength to carry on is found in the Object we are following.

Since we are told that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6), we might ask then, “What is faith?” We are told what faith does: “Now faith is the substantiating of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1 jnd). This is more of a description of what faith does rather than what it is. Faith is unwavering confident obedience to God’s Word in spite of our circumstances. It is the ability to rest in God, putting all our weight on Him!

Christ is the foundation of our faith. Let us notice the word, “conviction.” When He is the object of our hearts, then we develop a conviction that He will keep His word! All of this is centered around and resting on Him as the Object of our hearts and souls. Those listed in chapter 11 act as witnesses, saying to each one of us, “We trusted Him; you can too!” As they laid aside everything else, you and I can lay aside every weight and sin and doubt and fear, and press on with our eyes fixed on the One who gave Himself for us on Calvary!