Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:32-36 New International Version (NIV)
The early followers of Jesus had a rough time but their faith in Him strengthened them to persevere. Although they had received the light of Christ's salvation, many endured insult and persecution. Some were martyred for their belief and profession of faith in the Son of God or they watched as their brothers and sisters in Christ were subjected to treatment designed to discourage the spreading of the Gospel. That was a long time ago, but we who believe today are proof that God's Word is alive and active and cannot be stopped. Our Savior lives and we can be confident that He will return to establish God's Kingdom.
As believers in Christ, we must hold fast to our confession of faith because it is our greatest treasure and our only possession of value that will last throughout time. No matter how hard the enemy of our souls fights to keep us from receiving all God has promised, we must stand in God's truth. This enemy is a defeated foe who seeks our destruction and as difficult as it may be to do, especially when times are hard and this world seems too much to bear, we must hold on to God's unchanging hand. Following Christ Jesus is God's will for us and He is a very present help, especially in times of trouble. We can trust Him as we seek to do His will and have confidence that He will never leave or forsake us. He who has promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
“Stand firm, and you will win life.” Luke 21:19 NIV
But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory. Hebrews 3:6 NIV
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