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The Perseverance of the Saints

Here are the marks of a true believer.

Here is the patience of the saints; here arethose who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

  - Revelation 14.12

Anyone, then, who fears God,
    and loves Him,
    and does His will and keeps His commandments,
will have honour among men here
    and blessedness with God beyond.

  - Colmán mac Beógnai, Aipgitir Chrábaid, Irish 7th century[1]

Who is a Christian? One who attends church, or is otherwise engaged in “Christian” activities? Is someone a Christian simply because, at some point, he indicated some “commitment” to Jesus, or prayed a certain prayer?

Is one a Christian because he maintains an association, be it ever so minimal, with a congregation of others like himself? Or simply likes to think of himself as a Christian?

The testimony of Scripture and of the saints is otherwise: One is a Christian who fears and loves God, believes in Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins, and lives increasingly a life of holiness, righteousness, and goodness which is the result of obedience to God’s Law and all His Word. This is a lifetime commitment, and not just an episodic blip on the radar screen of one’s life. This is the patience, or better, perseverance which marks a true believer.

Where such perseverance is in evidence, true saving faith has taken root.

Real Christians endure every hardship with joy, pressing on through trials to know the Lord and follow Him, come what may. They maintain a ready witness for Christ, seek His Kingdom and righteousness, and apply themselves to working out their salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2.12, 13). They hunger for the Word of God and engage with Him there, and in prayer, so that they may be prepared for whatever obedience may be required of them through the day. Jesus said you would know true believers by their fruit (Matt. 7.15-20). And the fruit of true Christian faith is perseverance in trusting Jesus and keeping His Word.

It is instructive to discover how others might answer this question. Try asking a few friends, coworkers, or neighbors: Who is a Christian? Then take them to our text for today and ask them point blank, Based on what you see here, does this agree with your definition of a Christian?

If it does, won’t they rejoice to be so affirmed by God’s Word?

If it doesn’t, it would be helpful to know that.

If what they think about a Christian isn’t so, what better work of love could you do for them than to show them what God’s Word says about this most important question?

Being a Christian is serious business, engaging us in all our thoughts, affections, values, priorities, and practices. We are not free to be Christians on our own terms. True Christians – saints – are defined by God as those who hold fast their testimony and continue in His Word. Faith in Jesus and obedience to God’s Word issues in love for God and neighbors as a defining mark. God blesses all who truly belong to Him, who hold fast the testimony of Jesus and keep His commandments, with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.

Whom can you encourage today to persevere in this high and holy calling?

Psalm 24.3, 4 (Foundation: How Firm a Foundation)
Oh, who may ascend to the Lord’s holy place?
And who may appear to His glorious face?
All they who are clean in their heart and their hands,
And true in their souls with the Savior shall stand.

Lord, in Your mercy You lifted me up and set me on a high place; help me to live as You will, and to proclaim Your goodness to others. Adapted from Patrick, Confession

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Susie and I give thanks for you each day, but especially this time of the year, our hearts overflow with gratitude for your friendship, support, and collaboration in this work. God supplies our needs as we look to Him day by day, and He may be pleased to do so, at least in part, through you. Please seek Him in prayer concerning this matter. You can use the Contribute button at the website to give with a credit card or through PayPal, or you can send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction VT 05452.

T. M. Moore
Principal
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All psalms for singing from The Ailbe Psalter. Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.



[1]Carey, p. 235.

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
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