0707. Perseverance

Perseverance

"Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue, in the faith, and that we must, through many tribulations enter into the Kingdom of God" (Act_14:22).

Out of the first striking results of Pentecost was the perseverance of the saints–the way they pressed on, even though beset by many difficulties. We believe, positively in the preservation of the saints, but we also believe that the Spirit-filled, will be more than preserved unto the Heavenly Kingdom, they will also persevere.

In Act_2:42 we read concerning the multitude baptized on the Day of Pentecost: "They continued stedfastly." Act_2:46 adds: "And they, continuing daily with one accord."

And so as the Apostle Paul returned over some of his missionary journeys, visiting again the Churches, he had formed he confirmed the souls of the disciples, and exhorted them to continue in the faith."

Paul speaks of his own life and his hardships and then he concludes, "Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great."

Many are the precious promises which are given to those who endure. Many are the warnings to those who turn back. Not all saints are "faithful unto death." If our salvation depended on our perseverance, many would never reach eternal life.

The children of Israel left Egypt under the blood, but with many of them God was not well pleased and their bodies were overthrown in the wilderness. They lusted after evil things, and God sent them leanness to their soul; they turned back and tempted God, and were destroyed of the destroyer; they committed fornication and their bodies fell in the wilderness. Of all the fighting men who started out under Moses, only two, Caleb and Joshua, entered the promised land.

Salvation is of grace, but rewards are given to those who persevere.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR