The article "The Race" by Don Fortner addresses the theological doctrine of perseverance in faith, emphasizing the necessity of enduring in the Christian life. Fortner argues that the believer's journey is akin to a race, where the goal is not merely starting strong but finishing well; thus, perseverance is vital. He supports his argument using Scripture references such as Hebrews 12:1, which encourages believers to cast aside distractions, and Philippians 3:14, which highlights pressing toward the heavenly prize. The practical significance of this doctrine lies in the hope and assurance found in God's grace, underscoring that while believers are preserved by divine grace, they are also called to actively persevere until the end.
Key Quotes
“It is not he who begins the race and runs well for a season that wins the prize but he who finishes the race.”
“All who are saved by the grace of God are kept saved by the grace of God.”
“The righteous also shall hold on his way and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.”
“We are not of them who draw back unto perdition but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”
What does the Bible say about perseverance in faith?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of perseverance in faith, urging believers to endure to the end as seen in Hebrews 12:1.
Hebrews 12:1, Matthew 10:22, 1 Corinthians 9:24, Philippians 3:14
How do we know eternal security is true?
Eternal security is affirmed by Scripture, which states that believers are kept by the grace of God and shall never perish (John 10:28-29).
John 10:28-29, 2 Timothy 1:12, Ephesians 1:3-6
Why is perseverance important for Christians?
Perseverance is crucial for Christians as it reflects true faith, ensuring that they endure trials and remain steadfast until the end.
Hebrews 3:14, Hebrews 10:35-39
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, - Hebrews 12:1“The Race”
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1
The Book of Hebrews, from start to finish, is an inspired admonition to perseverance. It is an inspired motivation to faith, constantly holding before us both the example of Christ as our guide and the accomplishments of Christ as our motive. In the face of trails and temptations on every hand, we are called upon to endure unto the end and persevere in the faith, to go on following Christ. We must not quit. We must not give up. We must not go back, though heresies abound on every side, though temptations of every kind allure us away from our Savior, though trials come one on the heels of another.
Many Pictures
The believer’s life is compared to many things that picture the absolute necessity of perseverance in faith. We are in a warfare that will not end until we have left this world and entered into heavenly glory with Christ. We are engaged in a work, a labor, a cause from which there is no rest until our work is done. In Hebrews 12 it is compared to a race.
Our life in this world is a race, a race with a starting point, a finish line, and a prize (1 Cor. 9:24; Phil. 3:14). Contrary to what most seem to think, the prize is obtained not when the race is begun, but when it is done (Phil. 3:3-14). It is not he who begins the race and runs well for a season that wins the prize, but he who finishes the race. It is not he who runs fast, or even he who runs well, but he who runs to the end who wins the prize. “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong” (Ecc. 9:11).
Perseverance and Preservation
The Book of God teaches both the preservation of God’s elect by grace and the perseverance of all believers in grace, eternal security in Christ and the endurance of faith.
Yes, it is true, the Lord Jesus Christ gives his sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish. All who are born of God are kept by God. All who are saved by the grace of God are kept saved by the grace of God. Not one of God’s elect shall fail to obtain eternal glory with Christ (Ecc. 3:14). There is no possibility of failure with our God.
We have been chosen and predestined to obtain God’s salvation (Eph. 1:3-6). The Lord Jesus Christ purchased and obtained eternal redemption for us (Heb. 9:12). Our Surety has taken possession of heaven for us (Heb. 6:20). And we are sealed by God the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13-14).
Yet, the Word of God is crystal clear. We must persevere unto the end. It is written, “The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger” (Job 17:9). “He that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matt. 10:22) “We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." (Heb. 3:14)
Therefore we are admonished to persevere in faith, looking to and seeking Christ unto the end of our days on earth. —“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” (Heb. 10:35-39).
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