PINK ON FAITH OF THE MARTYRS

"All the evils here listed did befall the persons intended on account of their faith, and the profession thereof but it was the exercise of faith which enabled these saints to patiently endure them.. Active faith doest stand us in as good stead in the night of adversity as in the day of prosperity.  Faith suffices the Christian to face danger calmly, to continue steadfast in duty when menaced with the most foreboding outlook, to stand his ground when threatened with the sorest sufferings. Faith imparts a steadfastness of purpose, a noble courage, a tranquility of mind, which no human education or fleshly effort can supply. Faith gives its possessor patience under adversity, for by faith he sees them in a scriptural light and bears them by the enabling strength of Christ.  How good and profitable is a "sanctified affliction," but it is only sanctified as faith is added to it.

When faith is not in exercise, the heart is occupied with what is seen and what is temporal: only the creature's hand is viewed, and we are tempted to entertain hard thoughts toward God, and say, "surely the Lord has forsaken me" (David). But when the Spirit renews us in the inner man, and faith is active again, we take ourselves to task and say, 'why art thou cast down, O my soul?? HOPE THOU IN GOD!'"(Ps 42)

DR. A. W. PINK, Exposition on Hebrews


"The trial of your faith."

" But why should our Loving God allow many of His dear children to endure such terrible experiences, as here listed at the end of Hebrews 11?  Among other answers, the following may be suggested.  First, for the more thorough trial of His champions, that their faith, courage, patience, and other graces-may be more plainly manifest. Second, to seal or ratify more deeply the Truth which they profess.  Third, to encourage and strengthen the faith of their weaker brethren. Fourth, to give them more sensible evidence of what Christ endured for them"

that the 'trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold which perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, honor, and glory at the appearing of Our Lord Jesus Christ..' (I Peter 1: 7) that faith which is the gift of God endures to the end!  And the testing of that faith, the fiery trial thereof, serves the better to make manifest the Divine Origin of it: only that faith which has come from God is able to endure the testing of God."

DR. A. W. PINK   Exposition of Hebrews