The Eternal Value of not Giving Up

by Tom Edwards
 

There are probably many reasons--though unjustifiable--why some people do not want to obey the Lord. For instance, sometimes it is because of peer pressure or the threat of social ostracism (John 12:42, 43) or perhaps--as in the case of the early church--the fear of torture or death could also serve as an overwhelming deterrent.  To comfort those who would face the latter, Jesus says, ``And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell'' (Matt. 10:28). Also in Revelation 2:10, the promise of an everlasting life is given to those who would remain true to God during their endurance of much tribulation: ``Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life'' (Rev. 2:10).

Also in Luke 21:19, this same reoccurring thought is exclaimed: ``By your endurance you will gain your lives.'' Again and again, we are made aware of the need for the Christian to persevere in his faith and obedience; but just how important is this? God, through the writer of the book of Hebrews, clearly shows of this by warning, ``For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised...But My righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him.  But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul'' (Heb. 10:36, 38 39).

Eternal salvation is contingent upon our perseverance in living for God (Rom. 2:7, 8). To ``shrink back'' can only lead to destruction.  We must, therefore, ``contend earnestly for the faith'' (Jude 3) and not stray from it--for that would result in eternal ruin (James 5:19, 20).

There is great reward for the one who will remain true and faithful to the Lord Jesus. In speaking to His apostles, the Lord encouraged them with the following chal­lenge: ``And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved'' (Matt. 10:22).

Will you be one who will also endure to the end? If you are not a Christian, we would like to help you become one. And if you are a Christian who has ceased enduring for the cause of Christ, we would like to encourage you to pick up your cross again and follow after Jesus. Do so now, while you have the time. Tomorrow might be too late.  Now is the time for each of us to live faithfully and endure whatsoever may befall us for the gospel's sake. Whatever your lot in life will be, your perseverance in Christ can help you through, fill your life with purpose, and lead you to a blissful eternity that will make you forever glad that you did not give up. 

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