Definition: Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really interesting passage from Hebrews 11:35. It's a bit complex, but we can understand it as a powerful message about faith and the possibility of eternal life. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about how faith – believing in something – can actually change things, even beyond our own lives. It suggests that God's promises to us are more effective when we believe them. Let’s unpack the parts: “Women received their dead raised to life again…” This is the core of the verse. It refers to a specific event in the early church – women who had died were brought back to life by Jesus! It was a miraculous event that showed God's power. "...and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance..." This is where it gets really significant. Those who didn’t believe in Christ (or in the promise of resurrection) were subjected to suffering and hardship. They weren't given a chance to be saved. "...not accepting deliverance." This means they didn’t respond to God's offer of salvation – they didn't choose to accept it. They were trapped in a cycle of difficulty. So, what does this mean for us today? The verse is saying: Faith does matter. It's not just about praying or hoping; it’s about actively believing in something – whether that's God’s love, the promise of heaven, or the power of forgiveness. Here's what it suggests about the afterlife and our purpose: God’s promises are stronger than suffering: The verse emphasizes that God’s promises to us are more powerful than any hardship we might face. Belief leads to a better resurrection: The "better resurrection" refers to a future life where we are reunited with Christ and experience eternal life, not just in this life, but eternally. It's a promise of something beyond earthly suffering. In short, Hebrews 11:35 is a reminder that faith – the belief in something divine – can transform our lives and lead to a truly wonderful future. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give an example of how faith might influence our lives?