Perseverance?

June 29, 2022

It is true that “the just shall live by faith”, but very often we fail to consider the rest

of the verse which says, “But if any draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in

him” (Hebrews 10:38). Follow-through is such a critical factor in an effective life.

Even the world around us recognizes this Biblical truth: to begin is not sufficient in

the sports world or the realm of business; the endgame or bottom-line determines

who is recognized as successful. Fidelity among the disciples of Christ is rewarded

by the Lord in every instance, but the unfaithful and quitter are never in the

presence of the righteous. Job says, “The righteous also shall hold on his way, and

he that has clean hands shall be stronger and stronger” (Job 17:9). In the New

Testament Paul says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor

is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Every Christian is determined to

prove his love and faith by his behavior or works. It is true that we are saved by

grace, but no one can deny that our Lord demands obedience of us just as he did of

Israel and every hero in history from Elijah to Paul. Matthew 7:21 is clear so read it

again, especially if you have been lied to regarding ‘faith only’. That heretical view

conflicts with common sense, scripture, and reality. Christians are not exempt from

perseverance but are required to remain faithful to the commands (John 15:14) of

our Lord. Jesus said to those which believed on him, “If ye continue in my word,

then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31). Notice the ‘if – then’ expression

which is conditional. Every person who is saved must express love as gratitude to

God and man for Christ is our example (Luke 2:52). Love is more conditional, not

unconditional, than any concept you can imagine. The Love of God caused him to

give Christ; the love of Christ demanded that he perform and obey God, die and live

again; love for Him demands that our faith express itself in obedience as he did and

said, “If you love me keep my commandments” as well as keeping with Matthew

7:21.

Dr. Kenneth E. Morrison