Grace and Perseverance

(Hebrews 12:1–3)

2 You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.

3 Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. 5 Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel, 9 for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained! 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

11 This is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with Him,

we will also live with Him;

12 if we endure,

we will also reign with Him;

if we deny Him,

He will also deny us;

13 if we are faithless,

He remains faithful,

for He cannot deny Himself.