Hebrews 11:29 - "The Crossing of the Red Sea"

Hebrews 11:29

"By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned."

What a divine testimony to the Sovereign Grace of God in Christ Jesus. The crossing of the Red Sea is more than a story of deliverance—it is the Revelation of the Gospel of Christ, a type and picture of the Salvation of the LORD’s elect through His Person and work of salvation for the elect.

Not all who crossed the Red Sea were God's spiritual seed, for “the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2). When the Scriptures declare "by Faith" they passed through the Red Sea, that is the specific reference those who are of THE FAITH (chosen by God, redeemed by the LORD Jesus and called out by the Spirit of God). It's not by the sinner's decision or dedication, but by the LORD Jesus Christ Himself—the Object of Faith, the Substance and Foundation of all God-given Faith (Acts 4:12). By Christ, they passed through the Red Sea. It was not their act that made the way, but the LORD Himself who opened it. “Salvation is of the LORD” (Jonah 2:9). In Exodus 14 we read, “The LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided” (Exodus 14:21). Between the sinner and God there is a great gulf fixed, a sea of separation that none can cross unless the LORD Himself make the way. And He has! The LORD Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

All the work was given to the Mediator. “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea” (Exodus 14:21). Moses was a type of Christ. As Moses led the people forth from Egypt by the power of God, so the LORD Jesus Christ leads His people out of bondage through His death and resurrection (Ephesians 4:8). When He stretched forth His hands upon the cross, the Way was opened for His people to pass safely through the waters of judgment. Christ our Passover was slain (1 Corinthians 5:7)

The pillar of the cloud stood between Israel and Egypt. “It was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these” (Exodus 14:20). The Gospel is the same today—light to some, darkness to others. To the believer it is the message of Grace, to the unbeliever it is foolishness. But it is God Who makes the difference. “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

The Egyptians pursued and went in after them to the midst of the sea. They endeavored to enter by their own strength, but “the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea” (Exodus 14:27). Here is the contrast between Grace and works. Those who attempt to cross by their own righteousness shall perish. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us” (Titus 3:5).

But of Israel it is written, “The children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left” (Exodus 14:29). That is the Wall of Salvation—the sure Defense of all who are in Christ. None of those chosen and redeemed shall be lost. “Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians” (Exodus 14:30). Their deliverance was full, free, and final.

And what was the result? “And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses” (Exodus 14:31). Belief was not the cause but the fruit of deliverance. When the LORD opens the sinner’s eyes to see the great work of Christ, faith springs forth as the effect of Grace. “It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). Even so, when the believer looks upon Christ crucified, he sees that every enemy—sin, law, Satan, and death—has been conquered. “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again” (Romans 8:33–34).

Thus we see that Salvation is entirely the work of the LORD. The Egyptians assayed to do it, but were drowned. Those who trust in their own works perish, while those who rest in Christ pass through on dry ground. “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

The LORD made a difference between Israel and Egypt, between those under wrath and those under Mercy. Christ Himself bore the flood of judgment that His people might go free. Thus the LORD saved Israel that day. And so He saves all His people today—by Faith, by Grace, by Christ alone. To Him be all the glory!