The main theological topic addressed in Don Fortner's article "We Have Need of Patience" is the necessity of patience and perseverance in the Christian faith, particularly in light of trials and tribulations. Fortner emphasizes that believers should maintain their confidence in Christ, as highlighted in Hebrews 10:35-39, which articulates the assurance of salvation and the rewards for those who endure in faith. He discusses the significance of living by faith rather than relying on works or legalism, citing Romans 4:16 and reinforcing that salvation is entirely by grace through faith. The practical significance of this doctrine lies in its encouragement for Christians to steadfastly trust in God's promises, knowing that trials will not deter the true believer from their ultimate hope in Christ’s return and the glorious future ahead.
Key Quotes
“He urges us not to cast away our confidence, our confidence in Christ, our confident hope of everlasting salvation in him.”
“The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
“True believers cannot, will not, and do not leave Christ nor will they take up the weak and beggarly elements of the law.”
“He who saved us and has kept us thus far will keep us to the end.”
What does the Bible say about patience in faith?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of patience and confidence in Christ as essential for receiving God's promises.
Hebrews 10:35-39, Romans 8:18
How do we know that salvation is by faith?
Salvation is confirmed by Scripture, which states that the just shall live by faith and that it is through faith that we receive God's promises.
Romans 4:16, Ephesians 2:8-9
Why is confidence in Christ important for Christians?
Confidence in Christ is vital for Christians as it assures them of their salvation and strengthens their perseverance through trials.
Hebrews 10:35-39, John 14:1-3
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. - Hebrews 10:35-39“We Have Need of Patience”
"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." Hebrews 10:35-39
Paul concludes this chapter with a comforting, assuring, and challenging word of admonition. He urges us not to cast away our confidence, our confidence in Christ, our confident hope of everlasting salvation in him. He is telling us not to take our eyes off Christ, to let nothing and no one come between us and him. Trials will come upon us. Temptations will assail us. Satan will roar against us. The world will allure us. Those things are certain; but so is this: “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18).
Yes, there is, indeed, “a great recompense of reward” at the end of our pilgrimage. We shall be with Christ! We shall be like Christ! We shall see him as he is, “face to face!” Our God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes forever! When we have entered into and taken possession of glory with Christ, there will be no more sorrow, for there shall be no more sin! For now, let us exercise “patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
Here is the promise by which the Holy Sprit inspires our perseverance. -- “For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” When our Lord Jesus Christ comes, he will put an end to all suffering and death and sorrow (John 14:1-3; Rev. 21:4-5).
Ours is a life of faith. It is written, “The just shall live by faith.” So let us exercise the patience of confident faith in Christ. True believers live by faith, not by law, works, merit, or ceremony. We receive spiritual life by faith in Christ. That life is sustained and kept by the power of God through faith. That life shall be perfected by faith. The whole of our salvation is by faith. -- “It is of faith that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed” (Rom. 4:16).
Works make no contribution to our life in Christ; and if any professor of faith draws back to ceremonialism or turns away from the simplicity of faith in Christ, God says, “My soul shall have no pleasure in him.”
“But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” True believers cannot, will not, and do not leave Christ, nor will they take up the weak and beggarly elements of the law and their own works in the place of Christ. “To whom shall we go?” Christ alone has life. Christ alone gives life. Christ alone is life! He who saved us and has kept us thus far will keep us to the end and will present us, at last, faultless before the presence of his glory (John 10:27-30; Rom. 8:38-39; Jude 24-25).
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