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 Endure hardship, therefore,[fn] like [a] good soldier of Jesus Christ.[fn] 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;

He cannot[fn] deny Himself.