“And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 11:39-12:1).
The heroes of faith who lived prior to Christ obtained many of God’s promises (Hebrews 11:33), but one promise which was not fulfilled prior to the end of their sojourns on earth was the promise of Christ and His new covenant. Because of their faith, they did receive a good testimony (martureo) from God (v. 40). Therefore, they are witnesses (martus) to the fact that the race of faith can be run heroically and successfully (Hebrews 12:1).
The full impact of the writer’s argument needs to be felt. It is twofold.
First, the Old Testament heroes of faith lived and died having less divine revelation than you and I, yet they were faithful to God, even under horrific conditions (Hebrews 11:35-38). They are clear and undeniable proof that faith in God on planet Earth is “do-able”. Therefore, drawing back is not the only option available (Hebrews 10:38-39).
Second, the Old Testament heroes of faith lived and died under an inferior covenant. Even though this covenant had an inferior high priest, inferior sacrifices, et. al., they remained faithful to God. How much more then ought we (who have the better high priest and better sacrifice) run with endurance the race set before us?
How much more indeed!!
