1. It is a significant and remarkable act of faith. Hebrews 11 speaks
desire to die cheerfully and comfortably—how we can resign a departing soul into the hand and sovereign control of God.
It is both a significant and remarkable act of faith to do so:
1. It is a significant and remarkable act of faith. Hebrews 11 speaks of the powerful efficacy and great success of faith. One of the specific instances, in which many others are encompassed, is that "all these died in faith." It was a remarkable thing to die in faith under the Old Testament, when they were surrounded by so many shadows and much darkness, and when their insight into the invisible things behind the veil was far inferior to what
God has revealed to us. Moreover, the state of things beyond the veil was not the same as it is now; Christ was not yet enthroned, carrying out his office. Nevertheless, faith carried them through all that darkness and led them to venture their souls on God, relying on His faithfulness, mercy, and grace.
When it comes to this consideration, it weighs everything in the balance: on one side, our existence, our life in this world, our sins and their guilt, our fears, uncertainties, and the darkness surrounding the future state, our aversion to dissolution, and all the considerations that surround us; on the other side, the power, faithfulness, and mercy of God, and His ability to receive, preserve, and keep us until that day—and to be more valuable to us than all these things. "Here shall be my portion," says faith. "All things in the other scale hold no value, no weight compared to this overwhelming weight of God's power and goodness." This is a glorious exercise of faith! Have you tried it, my brothers and sisters? Place things on either side of the scale and see which way it tips—observe what faith can accomplish in such a situation.