Standing Firm

In John Bunyan's book, 'The Pilgrim's Progress,' when the main character Christian loses his burden, some angels tell him he is free from his past sins.  They give him some new, clean clothes and a scroll.  The clothing and the scroll are meant to symbolize Christian's salvation.  After receiving the scroll of salvation, it is not easy for Christian to reach the Celestial City.  He meets several characters that try to lead him astray.  But Christian continues, enduring harassment and threats from demons and monsters as he travels through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.  Christian has to overcome Despair, Diffidence and persevere with great focus to reach the Celestial City.  Some think being saved is like a ticket to heaven.  That is why Jesus said, "But he who endures to the end shall be saved"(Mt. 24:13).  While being saved is the beginning, standing firm in the Lord till the end is critical. 

Justification (being saved) is essential, but Sanctification (living a separated life) is also equally important!  This can be more challenging than it sounds.  Daily struggles, temptations, and choices make it difficult, but we have to choose to stand firm in the Lord consciously.  The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "… God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, so that you are able to bear it."  This reminds us that though we have daily struggles, God is faithful.  We can stand firm because of God, who strengthens us.  Satan will try to make us take our eyes off Jesus by tempting us.  But God is always there to give us strength to be overcomers, for the Lord never leaves us or forsakes us (Deuteronomy 31:6).  Standing firm in the Lord is done by putting on the whole armor of God( Ephesians 6:11-16). The Bible also cautions us in 1 Cor 10:12, saying, "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" Jesus said that he who endures to the end shall be saved. 

My friend, to stand firm in the Lord, we have to focus on Jesus and His Word instead of the worldly things.  It is important to trust God through trials and temptations which are part and parcel of this earthly life.  May God strengthen us to stand firm in the Lord till the end!

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