One of the major themes that winds through the book of Hebrews is the encouragement to believers to persevere in their faith, ever holding on to Christ, especially as the Day of judgment draws near. In other words, the author of Hebrews is pastorally preaching in such a way so as to strengthen Christians to not give up; to be prepared, to be ready, for the day of death. The words of Hebrews 11:13, “these all died in faith” almost perfectly captures the heart of this theme. It is not for nothing that death is referred to by Paul as “the last enemy” (1 Cor. 15:26). He is a fearsome and ferocious enemy of God and God’s people, stealing away life and severing love. We praise God for the hope we have in Christ who not only will destroy death but as turned our death into sleep. In Christ, all believers wake up! Still, we know that many saints still tremble at the encroaching coldness of that last enemy, death.
