July 2010 - English

Over the last few months, we have considered faith, and there is one other issue to address: Faith lasts. It is not something that should continue just for a few months or a few years, but something that continues until the end of our lives. Only a moments thought, will confirm the validity of this idea. If we put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice, it makes no sense to stop trusting Him after a period of time. Jesus, in a phrase repeated three times in the gospels, describes it this way, “But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matt 10:22b) The importance of this to the Lord, is seen when He compliments three of the churches in Revelations on their endurance (this word is often translated patience, but it is the same Greek word). And God has not left us without the resources to endure, for Paul tells us that tribulation produces perseverance (Rom 5:3b). God allows tribulation in order that we become proficient at enduring, so that we will endure to the end!

The writer of Hebrews, is concerned that his readers may be considering abandoning their faith and this motivates much of his writing. In the 10th chapter, he writes, “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. (Heb 10:38-39) Does your faith need to be re-invigorated? Do you need to revitalise your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Then strength the arms that hang down, for our faith is not based on fables, but on the certainty that one day, He who is coming will come. (Heb 10:37)