Perseverance of the Saints: Hebrews 6:9-12
“9) But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. 10) For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. 11) And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12) so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:9-12
True salvation is accompanied by spiritual fruit. As Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 1: 2, there will be a work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope. There will also be a love toward other believers. He looked for faith, hope and love to automatically show up in the lives of professing believers.
Notice in the above four verses that the writer of the book of Hebrews is acknowledging the same confirming standards of genuine salvation. Of these three qualities, 1 Corinthians 13:13 says that love is the greatest. Why? Because Agape love is poured out in every true believer by the Holy Spirit. (See Romans 5:1-5) It is the first and primary fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Now look at Hebrews 6:11-12. True believers persevere to the end. This is sometimes referred to as “the perseverance of the saints.” They will most likely endure trials and have a few setbacks, but they don’t abandon ship or forsake Christ. God knows those who belong to Him. In the long run they bear fruit for the glory of God.
Peter is a good example. He denied three times that he knew Jesus, but was so convicted he went out and wept bitterly. Satan sifted him like wheat, but God was not done with him. When he turned again, he strengthened others and actually died a martyr. (See Luke 22:31-32)
Be both discerning and patient with fellow Christians. Don’t mistake struggles and trials as an absence of salvation. It may very well be that the vine dresser is pruning them. Over time they will bear fruit if they are true believers. They will persevere to the end.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
