Obtained A Good Report

"Now FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by IT the elders OBTAINED A GOOD REPORT."(Heb.11:1,2)

Here's a good question that demands an answer: From WHOM did these ancient justified saints "OBTAIN A GOOD REPORT"? Was this "good report" the report of fellow sinners who saw them do these great feats of faith? Interesting thing about the original word from which the translator wrote this phrase "obtained a good report". This 4 word phrase is only one word which means 'to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration.' It is the SAME EXACT word that the Apostle John used repetitively in I Jn.5:9-11 - "If we receive the WITNESS of men, the WITNESS of God is greater: for this is the WITNESS of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the WITNESS in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the RECORD that God gave of his Son. And this is the RECORD, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son."

So in answer to the question: From WHOM did these ancient justified sinners (and every justified sinner in every generation ) "OBTAIN A GOOD REPORT" - "For this is the WITNESS of God which He hath testified of His Son. He that believeth on the Son of God HATH THE WITNESS in himself. he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar, BECAUSE HE BELIEVETH NOT THE RECORD GOD GAVE OF HIS SON." It wasn't their faith, and it is not our faith (though all God's children do and must believe God's promise) by which we obtain a good report. Christ's person and His work, i.e., His birth, his perfect life, His obedient death, and His glorious resurrection are the HOPE and CAUSE of every elect sinner's eternal salvation. Their faith or believe in this glorious "record" is the fruit or effect of the new birth.