In verse 13, the author of Hebrews mentions a distinguishing mark of patriarchal faith to which he will return regularly throughout this section. Though the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were consigned to lives of waiting and wandering, they persevered in faith. They never gave up or turned back. In their final hours, they did not grow bitter at the many delays a holy God placed in their paths, nor did the fires of their faith dwindle. They retained the same affection and delight in God's promises that had sustained them throughout their lives. If we would die in a similar manner, full of faith and years, we must live as the patriarchs did. We must pursue God's promises and covenant, endure all the assaults of the wicked, and persevere during periods of severe testing. Then, death will be neither a terror nor a savage foe. Christ removed its sting (1 Corinthians 15:55, 56), and therefore we can die composed, in faith, honor, and hope. For the same God who has preserved us throughout every step of life will see us through death, and will transform an unnatural evil into a glorious entrance to everlasting life.