The Daily Audio Bible

11 Now faith is the confidence of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.

² For by it our elders were given a good report.

³ Through faith, we understand that the world was ordained by the word of God, so that the things which we see are not made of things which are visible.

⁴ By faith, Abel offered a greater sacrifice to God than Cain - by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts - also by which he, being dead, still speaks.

⁵ By faith, Enoch was translated, so that he would not see death. Nor was he found. For God had taken him away. For before he was transformed, it was reported of him that he had pleased God.

⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please Him. He who comes to God must believe that God is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

⁷ By faith, Noah being warned by God of the things which were as yet not seen, moved with reverence, prepared the Ark to the saving of his household (through which He condemned the world), and was made heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

⁸ By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out into a place which he would receive for inheritance afterward. And he went out, not knowing where he went.

⁹ By faith, he dwelt in the Land of Promise - as in a strange country - living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.

¹⁰ For he awaited a city having a foundation whose Builder and Maker is God.

¹¹ Through faith, Sarah also received strength to conceive seed and delivered a child when she was past age, because she judged Him Who had promised faithful.

¹² And therefore, even from one who was as good as dead, there sprang so many; as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand of the seashore, which is innumerable.

¹³ All these died in faith and did not receive the promises. But they saw them at a distance and believed, and received thankfully, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

¹⁴ For those who say such things, plainly declare that they seek a country.

¹⁵ And if they had been mindful of from where they had come, they had opportunity to return.

¹⁶ But now they desire a better (that is, a heavenly). Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God. For He has prepared a city for them.