DRAWING NEAR "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised." (Heb 10:23) -- Tomorrow:
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (Heb 10:19-22)
Devotion 13 of 16
We are not in heaven yet! We remain in a war-zone, with a fierce adversary seeking to devour us, and a world alluring us with its corruptible baubles. This is not the time or place for instability, which is an enemy of the soul. Therefore, the Spirit speaks to our hearts. "Let us HOLD FAST the profession of our faith WITHOUT WAVERING; (for He is faithful that promised)." The NASB and NKJV say "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope," while the NIV says, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess." The word from which faith is here translated is "elpis," which means an expected and awaited good hope, expectation, or prospect. This word is used fifty-three times in Scripture. With the exception of this text, it is always translated "hope."
But there is no contradiction in the statements "profession of faith" and "confession of hope." Hope is faith in its forward posture. A profession, or confession, of hope is an expression of faith, for we hope for what we cannot see (Rom 8:25), and faith is the means by which we are convinced of that reality.
Those who have "received" Christ (John 1:13), and are walking "by faith" (2 Cor 5:7) confess they are not of this world. They are being oriented for "the world to come," and "hope" is the thing that anchors them to "the world to come," for it is "enters into that (reality) that is within the veil" (Heb 6:19).
When we came to Christ (Matt 11:28; John 5:40; 6:37,40), we acknowledged the fundamental deficiency, yea liability, of "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4). We set out on a course that is preparing us for the end of this world, the day of judgment, and a presence "forever with the Lord." Regardless of the theological confusion that exists within the professed church, you will not be able to maintain that status without effort – hearty and consistent effort. If you do not "hold fast" your confession, or profession, it will get away from you. We do not live in a spiritual vacuum, and woe to those conducting themselves as though they did.
To "hold fast" our confession involves determination as well as action. Those who "hold fast their confession" set their faces like a flint to go to heaven. They refuse to be distracted by anything – anything at all. Without this level of determination, they simply will not be able to finish the race. That is why Paul forgot "those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before," pressed "toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13-14). The "prize" is simply not attainable any other way.
Lest we forget the seriousness of this exhortation, remember the facts that undergird it. We HAVE a great High Priest. By faith we have a TRUE HEART, a CLEANSED CONSCIENCE, and BODIES that have been washed with pure water. A way has been opened for us by Christ, by which we can come into the very presence of the Almighty. Our sins are remitted, we are justified and sanctified, and possess the Holy Spirit of God. All of these advantages are to no avail, however, if we do not "hold fast" the confession of our faith and hope.
From one point of view, we are in a highly tenuous circumstance. This is not intended to produce doubt, but diligence. It is not meant to provoke complacency, but faithfulness. The knowledge of this circumstance is intended to constrain us to hope in God. Those who determine to "hold fast the confession of their hope" WILL be strengthened by God to complete their course. Just as surely as the lame man, commanded by Jesus to take up his bed and walk, extended himself to precisely that, and was thus obtained power to do so, so our labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor 15:58). This is not only the labors that have to do with sowing and watering the Seed of the kingdom, but the labors that are associated with entering the "rest" that remains for the people of God (Heb 4:11), fighting the good fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12), and wrestling against principalities and powers (Eph 6:12).
Rest assured, you will never seek to believe God and trust Him without that effort being met with the stabilizing and sustaining power of God. You will never extend yourself to lay hold of the promises of God without God granting you grace, peace, and mercy to do so.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask for Divine power to keep a firm grasp upon the hope You have given to me, and finish the race set before me with confidence and joy.