Economic Growth (7)
…whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end…For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end… Hebrews 3.6, 14
A life-long commitment
Whatever else we have been called to do in life, advancing the Kingdom economy must be the larger framework and the overarching paradigm and project that guides our efforts (Matt. 6.33). If we are not seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, beginning in our soul and working out into every area of our lives, then we are disobeying the most fundamental commandment of our Lord, and we cannot expect to know His blessings.
As followers of Jesus Christ we have been translated into a new Kingdom, where a new agenda directs and new power moves us, to help us fulfill our callings of subduing and reconciling all things back to God.
The Kingdom of God is advancing all around us, and each of us, as a follower of Jesus, has a unique and important contribution to make toward realizing and reifying that great salvation which has been granted to us. This calling to seek the Kingdom and advance the divine economy is a lifelong commitment; we must never draw back, never relax our progress, and never allow anything to get in the way of knowing, living, and proclaiming that great salvation which we have in Jesus Christ.
Ours to prove
The writer of Hebrews is emphatic on this matter. A true Christian, he writes, will stay the course for the duration of his life. We are true Christians if we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope “firm to the end.” And then, in chapter 4, “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it…Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience” (vv. 1, 11). Peter was equally urgent about this, calling his readers to continually bolster and grow their faith that they might make their “calling and election sure” (2 Pet.1.5-11).
So if God has called you to His Kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2.12), and if you have truly tasted of the divine economy and its many and abundant promises, get ready to stay in the fight for the long haul.
But what is involved in holding fast our confidence and our boasting? And what does it mean to “hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end”?
This clearly relates to our hope in the Gospel, the profession of faith in Christ that we make before others, and the lifestyle we pursue as citizens of the Kingdom of God. Consider the various images of the Christian life presented in Hebrews and elsewhere: Following Jesus is like running a marathon race; it’s a boxing match and warfare; it’s like a farmer working his fields and a soldier going into battle.
Is that your experience of discipleship? Or does that sound like more than you’re willing to endure? And are you prepared to keep this up for the rest of your life? Because if the writer of Hebrews is correct, we must prove—prove, I say, not earn—our salvation every day, in every way, at all times, in all our work, with all grace and obedience, for the rest of our lives. This is our privilege and duty as participants in the Kingdom economy, that administration and outworking of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14.17, 18).
The real proof of salvation
Anyone can taste of the salvation of Christ and convince themselves they’re really saved. But that’s no proof at all, as the writer of Hebrews makes clear in chapter 6. The real proof of salvation is a life of work and love, demonstrated in ministry to others, clinging to the hope of glory and laboring in faith and patience day by day for the progress of the Kingdom (Heb. 6.9-12).
This may sound like the writer is commending a view of salvation by works. He is not. He is urging a view of salvation issuing in works, works which flow as naturally and persistently from a redeemed heart as rivers of living water well up and overflow from the divine fountain of love (Jn. 7.37-39).
If we know the Lord, the writer of Hebrews insists—echoing all the other apostles—we will press on and strive for the progress of the divine economy, in all the ways we’ve been describing, for all the days of our lives. We will focus our vision on Christ; learn as much as we can about the Kingdom economy He is advancing; devote ourselves entirely to Him each day; set goals, make plans, walk in His Spirit according to His Word; and work while it is still day to bring the Light of Jesus into all the dark places of the world where the Lord sends us.
We need one another in this struggle, to help, instruct, guide, direct, and encourage, as well as to warn, admonish, correct, rebuke, and restore. The love of Jesus can renew us day by day, as we fix our minds on the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12.1, 2), and then we can help one another in this great and glorious struggle to advance the divine economy, day by day, to the praise of the glory of God’s grace.
For reflection or discussion
1. What do we mean by saying that the salvation of the Lord is “ours to prove”?
2. Why is it so hard for many believers to “hold fast” their confidence and their confession? How can believers help one another in this important matter?
3. Is it possible for someone to think he is saved, but not actually be saved? Explain:
Next steps: In what ways has this study of the Kingdom economy helped you think about your faith? Spend some time with the Lord in prayer, reflecting on this question and listening for His instructions or affirmations.
T. M. Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment to give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Other columns of interest: This week: The Read Moore podcast begins a series of readings in our book, If Men Will Pray. Our Crosfigell teaching letter wraps up its brief series on the early 6th-century Irish saint, Coemgen. In our daily Scriptorium column, we are working our way through Matthew’s gospel, studying the coming of the Kingdom of God. Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
And please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe with your prayers and gifts. You can contribute online, via PayPal or Anedot, or by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, P. O. Box 8213, Essex, VT 05451.
Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
