Hebrews 10:32-39

32: But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings,
33: partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 
34: For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.
35: Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 
36: For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

37: FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. 
38: BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.

39: But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

***   

Paul called to mind the “former days” after their conversion to Christianity—their enlightenment—when they endured much hardship. Part of it was the public persecutions they themselves endured—including the seizing of their property—and part of it was because of their association with those who were persecuted. They were sympathetic with those being arrested, yet they were joyful, even while their own possessions were taken, knowing they had better and eternal possessions in Christ.

So, in remembering what they had already endured, Paul encouraged them not to give up their confidence. Their confidence in Christ was that they could currently enter into God’s presence through His blood (Hebrews 10:19). This confidence would be rewarded, but first came a time of patient endurance, waiting for the Lord’s return. If they would hold onto this confidence in Him until He returned, they would receive what He had promised.

Paul quoted Habakkuk 2:3-4 which says in a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. Meanwhile, the righteous would live by faith. We believe God will do as He says. We believe He will keep His word, His promises, and our hope is not in vain. If we shrink back, we fall into destruction. God has no pleasure in that. Yet Paul affirmed that we are not of those who shrink back to destruction. We are of those who have faith to the preserving of our soul.

Our faith will preserve our soul. Our faith will bring the very thing we believe and hope for to pass in our lives. By remembering those things the Lord has already brought us through, we can be encouraged and strengthened to persevere for the future. This strengthening of our faith and holding on to the confidence we have through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, will preserve us until the promise is fully revealed.


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