Holdfast To The End Series

Theme: Hold fast to the End.

Text: Hebrews 3:12-19

Greetings

The Lord is good; his love endures forever. I greet you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Today, we would meditate from Hebrews 3:12-19, titled “Hold fast to the End”. We are continuously thinking about staying True to end in our call to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ, commitment to worship Him in all circumstances. We must abide in Christ, in His words and his love. Now hold fast of your salvation exhortation and keep alert about the deceptions.

Hebrews writer says that we hold our original confidence firm to the last (ESV). We hold our first newborn confidence and original assured expectation firm and unshaken to the end (AMPC). I would like to remind all of us about the days we live. Every day or today belongs to us. Yesterday has gone and become part of History now we can’t change anything to it. Tomorrow is not ours, and no guarantee to claim the rights of it. So TODAY is mine. Today is yours. Let us use TODAY:

Today is the day of Exhortation (Hebrews 3:12)

Today is the day of Salvation (Hebrews 3:13-14)

Today is the day of Deception (Hebrews 3:15-19)

Live one day at a time, being saved every day, and exhorting one another on daily basis and be careful about everyday transactions of words, conversations and deeds. Be watchful about the relationship.

DAY OF SALVATION:

What does it mean Salvation? Pastors and Evangelists used to ask the question, are you saved? Dictionary Defines ‘Salvation is a deliverance from sin and its consequences believed to be brought about by faith in Christ’. Merriam Webster defines ‘the realisation of the supremacy of infinite Mind overall bringing with it the destruction of the illusion of sin, sickness, and death’ as the salvation.

According to Bible scholars, salvation is the reality with at once spiritual and physical, individual and communal, objective and subjective, eternal and historical dimensions. Salvation is a historical reality the temporal dimensions of past, present, and future further intensify and deepen this concept. Salvation is a process with a beginning and has an end. Further, salvation involves the paradox of human freedom and divine election (ref:biblestudytool.com). So, Salvation belongs to the Lord (Revelation 7:10).

The Greek word “Soteria” is an exclusive right of God that includes all creatures.

Prophet Isaiah prophesied about the Salvation: “Thus says the Lord: “In a time of favour I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped you; I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages” (Isaiah 49:8). Paul quoted this verse: For he says, “In a favourable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favourable time; behold, now is the day of Salvation (ESV- 2 Corinthians 6:2).

Salvation is described as the mystery of God that is now revealed through Jesus Christ ( Ephesians 3:9, 6:19 ), a gift of grace through faith not of works ( Ephesians 2:8-9 ). It was a plan conceived even before the foundations of the world (Ephesians 1:3-14). It is an act of redemption from Sin (Romans 8:23) and reconciliation with God and one another (2 Corinthians 5:18-19), a transition from eternal death to eternal life (John 5:24). It assures peace with God (Rom 5:1).

Salvation means death to and freedom from sin (Romans 6), a new perspective that transcends the human point of view and participation in a new creation (Romans 5:16-17), salvation has said to be a spiritual birth, a birth from above without which one cannot enter the kingdom ( John 3:1-11 ). Salvation brings new honour as adopted children of God (Galatians 4:4). Salvation seals by the Holy Spirit for the final day of redemption.

This salvation is a light of revelation to the Gentiles ( Luke 2:30-32 ), a message for sinners of all kinds from small to big ( Mark 2:17 ). The whole creation groans for this salvation ( Romans 8:22 ). Salvation is justification by faith. Gospel has greater power to save all those who believe in it (Romans 1:16-17). Jesus was named as such so that he would save his people from their sins. If you have not accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour, kneel, close your eyes, confess your sins, and accept him.

DAY OF EXHORTATION (Hebrews 3:12)

Christians are mutually responsible for one another. There is no individual Christianity. There are many denominations but One faith, One Bible and One Christ. God reputedly emphasised common living, community living and concerning living. Concerned about one another. Jesus had lonely prayer but lived with his Disciples.

Paul urged the Corinthians to listen to them. Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don’t squander one bit of this marvellous life God has given us. God reminds us, I heard your call in the nick of time; The day you needed me, I was there to help. Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we’re doing (Phillips Bible). Therefore the author of the Hebrews stated “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard” (Hebrews 2:3).