Hold fast is a term that is used seven times in the New Testament. It was a nautical term that meant to bear down and stay the course. In history, I learned that many sailors would have these eight letters tattooed on their knuckles to remind them that they could get through any storm if they would “hold fast” both physically and mentally. They were to stay the course, no matter how rough the storm. They were to secure the ropes and stay true to their purpose. There was to be no surrender, and to abandon the ship was not a thought to be considered. How fitting that the New Testament writers used these words seven times in reference to our faith.
In I Thessalonians 5:21, we are told to hold fast to that which is good. Before that statement, an important instruction is given. We are to prove or search the scriptures to make sure that what we are holding to is biblical.
I Thessalonians 5:21 “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
In II Timothy 1:13, Paul is giving Timothy instructions to “hold fast” to the sound doctrine that he has taught him. It is believed that this is the last letter that Paul wrote. When he was writing this letter, he was in a Roman prison. Earlier in this chapter, he told Timothy to not be fearful and not be ashamed of the gospel. He encouraged Timothy to keep believing and teaching those things which he taught him. The message in this for us is to study the Bible and know its truths. When we know the truth, we will recognize the lies the devil would love for us to believe. Many today believe parts of the Bible, but not all of it. A partial truth is nothing but a lie. We must take the full counsel of God and believe it and live by it. We must hold fast to the Bible, all of it.
II Timothy 1:13 “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”
We must hold fast to our faith without wavering, as the writer of Hebrews tells us. How do we keep our faith strong and growing? We feed it! In Hebrews 10:22, we are told to draw near to Christ, the one who is able to help us. In Hebrews 10:24, we are to provoke one another to good works in love. In Hebrews 10:25, we are helped by attending church as much as possible. We are to be with other believers to strengthen our faith and our resolve. These instructions and actions will help us to hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering!
Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”
We have great hope that if we hold fast until the end, there is a great reward waiting for us that will last for all eternity. In Hebrews 3:6, we must hold fast until the end. In Hebrews 4:14, Jesus is our high priest who is helping us to hold fast.
Hebrews 3:6 “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”
Hebrews 4:14 “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.”
We are to hold fast to all that we have been taught through His word. Jesus himself is teaching us in Revelation 3:3 to hold fast to His teachings, and if there is anything that we have not been adhering to, we are to repent. We are to hold fast until he comes. He has promised us he will return, and now is not the time to be lazy or slack in keeping His word. Our love for Him should be enough to push us forward, to be diligent in our pursuit of Him and righteousness. When we know that according to God’s word something is right, true, and good, we must hold fast and not let go! No matter what opposition or persecution we may face, we must remember to push forward for the victory that is ours in Christ.
Revelation 3:3 “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”
Revelation 2:25 “But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.”
Jesus made a promise to us in John 14:3. He is faithful and will do what He has said, but if we want to be ready to receive all that He has prepared for us, we must do our part. HOLD FAST!
John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
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