This is a further explanation of what faith is. Faith is the conviction of things yet to be seen (Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 2:8–9). In faith you receive eyes to see the unseen (= the fulfillment of the promises). That is the work of the Spirit (Ephesians 1:16–18).
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.