Let Us Hold fast
[ M-157, March, 1994 ]
Dr. Russell K. Tardo
I. Let Us Hold Fast
A. The Admonition to Endure:
Believers are admonished multiple times in the Word to persevere, to endure.
23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) [Heb. 10:23]
B. A Solemn Warning:
Believers are warned not to draw back.
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. [Heb. 2:1]
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
[Heb. 10:39]
C. The Provoking of God:
Believers that make the mistake of drawing back will suffer the consequences of provoking God.
6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.... 8Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9When your father tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. [Heb. 3:6, 8-12]
4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. [Heb. 6:4-6]
D. Keeping Faith:
Believers must believe that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. Without faith, that is impossible.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. [Heb. 11:6]
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. [Heb. 12:1]
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. [Acts 14:22]
...to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith. [1 Thes. 3:2]
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. [Rev. 3:11]
II. Are You Holding Fast?
Following are some components to determine whether or not one is holding fast:
A. Not Based on Circumstances:
One can know if they are holding fast if our confession doesn’t change or waiver with the circumstances.
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.
[1 Tim. 1:19]
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. [Titus 1:9]
B. Not Affected by Emotions:
One can know if they are holding fast if our confession is not affected by moods, feelings, or emotions. The believer is embarked in a walk of faith, not sight or feelings.
13I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and has not denied my faith.... 25But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. [Rev. 2:13, 25]
C. Rejoicing Always:
One can know they are holding fast if we can still rejoice and praise the Lord, even in the midst of the trial or in the midst of the fires of refinement.
6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.... [Heb. 3:6]
D. Watchful for His Return?
One can know they are holding fast if we are looking up, watchful and waiting for the Lord’s return.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
[Rev. 3:3]
