Bob,

Without giving this a lot of thought, my initial reaction is to refer to Hebrews 11.

The "hero's" of the faith (as I have heard them called sometimes) had faith that is recognised here in the book of Hebrews. One should ask themselves what the object of there faith was? It *must* be Christ - the only one who could save them, and they recognised they had not YET receieved the promise instantiated. Ie, their service to God was rendered in such a way that it pointed forward to a time when the promise would be fulfilled (coming of the Messiah).

Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Heb 11:26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

Heb 11:39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise,
Heb 11:40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

__________________
Matthew Glover
Reformed Presbyterian Church of Australia