Daily Archives: September 7, 2013

Hold Fast

In life, there are some things which we need to let go. When we experience failure, sometimes it is best to let it go from our minds so we can re-focus on the future. If some bad thing happened to us in the past, sometimes it is best to let it go. Forget it. Keeping it alive in your memory only continues the pain. Past sin needs to be let go as do bad habits. Many things in our lives we should just let go and get rid of just like an old worn out pair of socks.

But there are some other things which we need to focus on and never let go. These things, even though they may seem worn, need to be held on to and nourished. Precious memories of loved ones, of good times, of victories over sin. There are also some things the Bible mentions that we should “hold fast” and never let go.

First, we need to hold fast to that which is good (I Thess. 5:21). Goodness is not something that is expendable. Just like gold which is valuable because it is so rare, goodness is valuable because it is often so hard to come by. The Psalmist said there is “none that doeth good” (Psalm 53:3). But we must not forget that Paul made this statement in connection with “proving all things”. We should not just accept everything that comes our way. Rather, we are to prove things, or test them, before we accept them. When we find that which is good–and we must remember that that which is good comes from God (III John 11)–we must hold fast to it and never let it go.

Second, we are instructed to hold fast to the form of “sound words” (II Tim. 1:13). The word “sound” here means “healthy” or “uncorrupt”. The word of God is food for our soul, ranging from milk for the spiritually young and strong meat for those who are spiritually mature (I Cor. 3:1,2; Heb. 5:13,14). Doctrine that is contrary to God’s revealed will is like a poison that sickens the soul (I Tim. 6:3-9). Error is like a poison. Rats won’t take the poison alone, it has to be mixed with other, tasteful ingredients (at least for the rats). Many people won’t accept error outright, but, mingle it with a little truth and they can’t tell the difference. But it still is just as deadly. We must make certain we don’t accept poisonous doctrine but hold to healthy teaching.

Third, we are to “hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end” (Hebrews 3:6). Why should we not be confident? God is our Creator and Heavenly Father. He wants us to be saved (I Tim. 2:4). Jesus Christ is our Saviour Who died so that we could have the hope of eternal life. If He be for us who can be against us (Rom. 8:31). The Holy Spirit has revealed words whereby we can be saved (Acts 11:14). It is true we can loose our salvation (Gal. 5:4), but that is up to us (John 10:25-29). If we stray from God, we will loose our salvation, but if we draw nigh to God He will draw night to us (James 4:8). Our own eternal destiny is really in our own hands.

Fourth, we must hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (Heb. 10:23). So many Christians have begun in the faith but only after a short time loose their salvation. They are like those in the parable of the sower who either are like the seed falling on stony ground or like those which fell among the thorns (Matt. 13:18-23). Soon thereafter, after a little hot sun or weeds, they loose their strength and fail. It is important to be confident but not recklessly blind to the possibility of a fall from grace (I Cor. 10:12). We must ever be watchful and pray often that we enter not into temptation (Matt. 26:41). “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession” (Hebrews 4:14).

There are many other things to which we must hold firmly and never let go but these are among the more clearly stated in scripture. May we understand better that to which God wants us to hold to and never let it go. Our soul’s salvation depends on it.

Eric L. Padgett