PERSEVERANCE WORKS EXPERIENCE Knowing the nature of living by faith, men of God urged believers to continue in the faith. Their admonitions were marked by great solemnity and urgency. "Then when he had come and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord" (Acts 11:23, NASB). "Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God" (Acts 13:43, NASB). Believers were urged to remain true to the Lord and continue in the grace of God because unless they did, God's grace would not be effective! Eternal Life is Linked with Perseverance While effort is not the basis for justification, it is required for obtaining the crown of life. It is true that we are what we are by the grace of God. It is also true that the grace of God effectively teaches us to deny ungodliness and embrace godliness (Tit 2:11-12). Here is the declaration of the Spirit. "Who will render to every man according to his deeds, to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life" (Romans 2:6-7, NASB). How do men seek for glory, honor, and immortality? Is it by study? Perhaps this is achieved by embracing a proper position, or managing to avoid involvement in immorality. The Spirit states it simply. It is by perseverance in doing good. Jesus Died That We Might Live Why did Jesus die? Certainly, it was to take away our sins (Heb 9:26). It was also to "taste death for every man" (Heb 2:9). His death was the means through which the devil was "destroyed" (Heb 2:14). In His cross, principalities and powers were plundered (Col 2:15). Maintain Your Freedom! Jesus has liberated us from the tyranny of sin, the plague of guilt, and the dominance of Satan. This is true liberty. To put it in the words of Jesus, "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). This glorious freedom, however, is not maintained automatically. Perseverance plays a role in keeping the freedom we have been given. "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1, NASB).
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope" (Rom 5:1-4, KJV). " . . . and perseverance, proven character . . . " (NASB). " . . . perseverance, character . . . " (NIV). "And steadfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope" (ASV).
GODLY MEN URGE CONTINUANCE IN THE GRACE OF GOD
Continuance in the grace of God, or perseverance, is required because of the nature of spiritual life. Remember, it is only as we "suffer with Christ" that we will "reign" with Him (Rom 8:17). With that perspective in mind, weigh this verse carefully. " . . . strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, 'Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God'" (Acts 14:22, NASB). The way to heaven leads through the territory of tribulation. Here is where the chaff is eliminated and faith is tried. Here is where our love for God is put to the test, and our preference for the things of the Spirit of God is weighed. No one will enter the "Kingdom of God" without passing through "tribulations!"
No individual--absolutely no one--who fails to continue in the "good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Rom 12:2) is seeking for glory, honor, and immortality! It makes no difference what that person professes. Those who are not constrained to "continuance in doing good," or perseverance, have turned their eyes from the prize!
It is no marvel that exhortations to spiritual consistency are so strong. They are all written with the ink of urgency. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58, NASB). "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13, NASB).
His death was also designed to enable us to live for Him. Release from sin, the power of Satan, and the dominance of death were in order to a life lived unto the Lord. " . . . He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf" (2 Corinthians 5:15, NASB).
And what does it mean to live "for Him?" Among other things, it means to live consistently, for Jesus cannot be served by seasonal or cyclical religion. Make no mistake about this, an inconsistent life is not lived for Jesus! And there is not one syllable of Scripture that suggests Christ's death will avail for those who do not live for God.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, grant me grace and strength to glorify You in perseverance and faithfulness.