“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” 
(Hebrews 11:13)

It is most certainly true that all men shall die (Hebrews 9:27). However, it is not true that all men shall die in faith, for all men have not the faith of God’s elect (Titus 1:1). Those who die in faith are those given to Christ Jesus in the eternal covenant of grace (Ephesians 1:3-6). Those who die in faith are those for whom the Lord Jesus Christ lived as high Priest to represent them (Hebrews 2:17) and died as the atoning sacrifice to redeem and justify them (Hebrews 9:12; 26). Those who die in faith are those for whom the Lord Jesus Christ as the forerunner occupies the very throne of God as Advocate and Mediator (Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7:25; 1st John 2:1; 1st Timothy 2:5). Those who die in faith are those who have heard the gospel of God’s sovereign grace in Christ and have been given life to believe and trust Christ alone for all their righteousness before God (2nd Corinthians 5:17; 1st John 5:1). Those who die in faith are those who live by faith (Hebrews 10:38), looking to the Lord Jesus Christ to provide all things in salvation for us (Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 4:19). Those who die in faith are those who are “persuaded” the gospel is true (Romans 4:20). Believers do embrace and love all the promises of God in Christ (2nd Corinthians 1:20). The redeemed will and do “confess” that they are looking and longing for our heavenly inheritance in Christ (Hebrews 11:10). Those made new by His grace “declare plainly” that they are seekers of Christ (Hebrews 11:6). God’s sheep have all things better in Christ (Hebrews 11:16), a better hope, a better covenant, a perfect sacrifice, a glorious inheritance and eternal salvation (Hebrews 7:19, Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 9:12).

Oh, my friend what a privilege to be granted and given faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). No wonder Peter called it, “precious faith” (2nd Peter 1:2). Oh, for grace to trust Christ more and more. What a blessed privilege to live by faith and what a great privilege to die in faith. The Lord said, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13). The Lord said, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15).

T. Harding