This post was last updated on March 3, 2026

Day 357, Year 1

Resurrection by Faith

“Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection.” (Hebrews 11:35 NASB)

The verse above implies a relationship between faith and resurrection. The women in the verse include the woman in Shunem. Her son was raised from the dead through Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-37). In addition, the ones who endured torture to death probably include Eleazar, a ninety-year-old scribe during the intertestamental period, because he refused to partake in the king’s sacrifice with pork (2 Maccabees 6:18-31). Most believers in the New Testament times were familiar with the Books of the Apocrypha or the Second Canon of the Old Testament. These books were also included in the Greek version of the Old Testament, the Septuagint. Hebrews chapter 11 stated that the elders of faith hoped for the resurrection in heaven or even on earth, and it is certain for all believers. The resurrection power that comes from faith is witnessed many times in the Bible.

Why can believers be transformed from weak to strong? It is because of the power from trusting in God that we are made strong, which is similar to the power of resurrection. From the following verses, we can see that looking forward to a better resurrection in the afterlife is a reason for them not to fear death and to be freed from the adverse effects of any suffering. We are destined to receive a better resurrection, and so we are not afraid of the tribulations or trials in this world. The first half of this verse and the preceding verses speak of the marvelous effect of faith, even to perform various miracles in Him. The verses afterwards refer more to the tempering of faith. Even though no miracles happened, only poverty, suffering, death, etc., we know that those trials led them to a better resurrection, and we are all included in it, too. Indeed, we who have faith in God are able to endure all sufferings or afflictions through His resurrection power.

Some of the named elders of faith mentioned before have regressed after their acts of faith, not only losing faith in God but also sinning against Him. Contrarily, those who retained their faith in God until death, or who would rather choose to fear God than death, are the focus of the latter part of the chapter. The authors pointed out that the sufferings, even death, of those who have strong faith in God can effectively encourage us. Contrarily, a weak faith can bring us more suffering. So, it is better for us to suffer or die with faith in God than to sin or perish in disbelief.

Reflection questions:

1) Does your faith in God make you not afraid of any sufferings, even to death, but hope for the coming and better resurrection?

2) Did your faith in God turn you from weak to strong, and did you even experience God’s resurrection power on earth?