Perseverance and Faith

Hebrews 10:35-39 is a passage from the New Testament of the Bible that contains an exhortation to perseverance and faith in the face of challenges and difficulties. Let’s take a closer look at these verses:

Hebrews 10:35-39 (New International Version):
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, ‘In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.’ And, ‘But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.’ But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.”

1. Confidence and Reward: The passage begins by encouraging believers not to throw away their confidence. This confidence is rooted in their faith in God and His promises. It reminds them that their steadfastness will be richly rewarded. In other words, those who remain faithful and endure will receive the blessings and promises that God has in store for them.

2. Perseverance and God’s Will: The author urges the readers to persevere. By persevering in their faith and obedience to God, they will ultimately accomplish His will for their lives. This emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of challenges, doubts, and temptations.

3. The Imminent Coming of Christ: The passage then quotes two Old Testament verses to reinforce the certainty and nearness of Christ’s return. The author highlights the promise that Christ will come without delay. This serves as a reminder that believers should live in anticipation of Christ’s return and be prepared for it.

4. Living by Faith: The passage states that the righteous will live by faith. This echoes a foundational principle in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God and relying on Him in all circumstances. It contrasts those who shrink back, indicating that God takes no pleasure in those who turn away from Him due to fear or doubt.

5. Faith and Salvation: The passage concludes by affirming that believers do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed. Instead, they belong to those who have faith and are saved. This serves as a reminder that faith is essential for salvation and that true believers will persevere in their faith until the end.

In summary, Hebrews 10:35-39 encourages believers to hold onto their confidence and persevere in faith. It emphasizes the rewards that await those who remain steadfast, reminds them of the certainty of Christ’s return, and contrasts faith with shrinking back. The passage ultimately assures believers that they belong to those who have faith and will be saved.