I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Revelation 3:11 (NIV)
Soon does not necessarily mean now. It rather has the sense of suddenness but at a time that no one knows. This is what causes some Christians to question their faith, their sanctification and their salvation because they see it as a threat of judgment. We cannot know when Jesus will come, but we must expect his coming to be immediate. This is a sure promise to those who believe.
What interests us most today is “what to hold on to?” Some will say it is salvation, others that it is grace. It's neither. Because salvation comes from God, it is assured by the Holy Spirit himself. We cannot hold on to it but we can live in obedience to the word of God. Grace is an unmerited gift from God that we receive only by faith. That's another thing we can't hold on to either.
What must be held firm is your faith in God, the gift of service He has poured into you for the edification of His people, your perseverance in affliction. As Christians we must be ready for the return of Christ. This requires our total devotion to Him and His commands. What we must understand is that the crown is the reward that God will give to those who keep the faith to the end, to those who hold on despite the trials of life.
May the grace and the peace of God be with you all.
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