Cast Not Away Your Confidence

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Leviticus 13 and Hebrews 10:19-39.

The concluding verses in Heb 10 exhorts the Christian to press on with patience and set the stage for the subsequent chapter on faith.

Paul reminded the saints that they had endured afflictions from the beginning, whether be it upon themselves or witnessing of others (Heb 10:32,33), yet held on.
Why should we hang on?
The fact that Christ had died for us that we may have the hope of life eternal. The fact that the apostles and and so many before us have held on and persevered.

The fact that we "have in heaven a better and an enduring substance" (v.34). Truly as Jesus said, "where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:". That is where our true treasure and inheritance lies. Bro Swayne's impassioned sermon on Sunday should strike a resounding note in all of us. How often, how much do we truly appreciate the fact that the only investment that ultimately pays is up above?

The fact that we have "great recompence of reward" (v. 35). A great, incorruptible crown (1Co 9:25). A crown of righteousness that awaits those patient and stedfast in Christ, who have "kept the faith" (2Ti 4:7,8)

The fact that it is a "promise", from God Himself (v.36)! As Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." God will make good His promises! (Psa 77:8; 2Co 1:0) And what a great promise, of eternal life (1Jn 2:25) of a new heaven and earth (2Pe 3:13), exceeding great and precious (2Pe 1:4)

The fact that Jesus will come again and bring to pass all that He has promised (v.37). God is not slack! (2Pe 3:9) Certainly we want to be prepared for His coming like the wise virgins.

The fact that otherwise, God "shall have no pleasure" in us (v.38). And truly as mentioned a few verses up in v.31,"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." How could we, having made partakers of His grace renounce His holy name by forsaking our confidence? Indeed there is "But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation"!

The fact of our firm belief that our salvation is found in Christ and only Him (v.39). In spite of man's protests and efforts, there can be no other way. Salvation is in Christ (2Ti 2:10)! Falling back to our old self will only bring about condemnation. God's will is not affected by our unbelief (Rom 3:3). But we have to answer for our actions.

Brethren, let us not forget our glorious estate, that whatever happens, be patient and cast not away our confidence in God but cleave on to Christ that in due time, we will gain that great reward.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

In Him
Paul


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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. ~ 1Thessalonians 5:16-22