Remain Faithful
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.” Mark 13:13
Obedient Faith is Ongoing
The final step of God's plan for saving man is ongoing throughout the rest of our natural lives. We must remain faithful unto death (cf. Rev. 2:10). The Word of God instructs the first century church, as it does all New Testament Christians, that we must be faithful whether or not it is a good, spiritual-high moment or if it is safe. We must remain faithful even when it might cost us our lives. This was a very real circumstance for the church under the Roman Empire and in many nations today. There are brethren today in countries who face certain death for wearing the name Christian. This is clearly in agreement to what is written above when Jesus made it clear there were expectations of His people. We will be hated because of Jesus’ name; we will face opposition from all sorts of people and religions. Family members, friends, neighbors, and strangers will oppose the Lord’s people. To the Christian, the command does not change. Remain faithful, endure, and abide in Him.
Ongoing Obedient Faith is Taught in Scripture
The Bible clearly teaches that a man must live in obedient faith because faith without obedience is not really faith at all. John the Baptizer taught his disciples,
"He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him “ Jn 3:36.
Obedient faith is directly opposite of the false doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints, otherwise known as Once Saved Always Saved. Paul informed those who would accept circumcision that they had become severed from Christ.“Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace” Gal 5:4. Moreover, we find that Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8:19-24 was found in “the bond of iniquity” because he had attempted to buy Apostolic ability although he had previously obeyed the Gospel.
Ongoing Obedient Faith is Characteristic of the Called Out
This is part of the salvation that is so easy to miss if we lose sight of what God has called us from and what He has called us to. As Christians, we are the body of Christ, the bride of Christ, the church of Christ. We must not forget that we have been bought with a price and given a purpose. If you are a Christian, I pray as your brother that you will arise each day with the same resilience to walk faithfully all of your days. If you have not obeyed the Gospel, why not do it today? I would love to study with you. Let’s go to heaven.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
