¹³ These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance,^(A) greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.^{(B) 14} Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. ¹⁵ If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return. ¹⁶ But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.^(C)