Examples of Holiness (B.T. Roberts reexamined)

Examples of Holiness (B.T. Roberts reexamined)
Hebrews 11


“It is easier to follow than to lead.” [B.T. Roberts]

1. Able [Hebrews 11:4]

a. Able did not rely on natural goodness.

b. Able came to God through the atoning blood. (Looking forward to Jesus?)


“In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” [Hebrews 9:22]

2. Enoch [Hebrews 11:5 – 6]

a. Enoch was the seventh generation from Adam… “taken” about 80 years before Noah was born. (Roberts says “Enoch died” but then stated… “his body formed an exception and did not return to the dust.”)

b. VERY evil world… “God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways.” [Genesis 6:12]

c. What kind of life did Enoch live?

1.) Genesis 5:22 “Enoch walked with God.”

2.) “It is a testimony that cannot be questioned, to his complete deliverance from every sin, and to his enjoyment of every grace which is necessary to constitute a holy character.” [B.T. Roberts]

3.) Roberts theorized that Enoch’s life was “steady and uniform” and that Enoch “exemplified holiness in all the relations of life.”

4.) Enoch was also a witness… giving faithful warning:

“Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones [15] to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” [Jude 1:14 – 15]

3. Noah [Hebrews 11:7]

a. “God does not leave Himself without a witness.” [B.T. Roberts]

b. Noah’s day… wickedness was general and most intense.

“The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. [6] The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubles (filled with pain).” [Genesis 6:5 – 6 NIV 2011]

c. What did Noah do?

1.) He remained faithful (without results from his preaching)

2.) “There was a strong power of resistance.”

3.) He remained faithful without the aid of others. Amazing…

“To stem this current of corruption required moral energy. He had it. We may have it.” [BTR]

4.) “He met all his obligations, both to God and his fellow man. “ [BTR]

d. “He was consistent. His piety was all of a pattern.” [BTR]



***** What about his “defects?” “Grace is intended to supply these defects.” [BTR] *****

1. “too prominent it depresses”

2. “wrong it removes”

3. “furnishes whatever is lacking”

“Whatever is needful for the purpose God can, by the mighty operation of His Spirit, impart.” [BTR]