Be Faithful Unto Death
—The sixth step
Jesus said, "Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10). This is the final step to salvation.
You might see a problem in calling faithfulness a "STEP". It is perhaps better described as a WALK in which you continue in the faith. Paul wrote along those lines...
1 The Example of Paul (2Timothy 4:7)
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day, and not only to me but to all who have loved his appearing" (2Timothy 4:7).
Sometimes Christians are required to struggle, even to die, for their faith. Most of us, however, are not required to be martyrs, but only to maintain our faith for the rest of our lives. This is not such a big ask, when the Lord has been so wonderful to us, and when he helps us every step of the way.
Paul took very seriously his walk with Christ. In one place he says, "I have not already obtained all this, nor have I already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12)
2 The Example of the First Christians (Acts 2:42)
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42).
The verses further down show an added example of good works —many who had possessions sold them and donated the money to the poor.
Some people have the idea that once you are converted to Christ you don't have to change your worldly way of life because God’s grace does all that needs to be done. The first Christians were not taught anything like that.
Rather, they were taught to continue steadfastly, not in the same old ways as before, but in a "new and living way". They actively devoted themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ and his holy word.
3 The Example of the Romans (Romans 6:1-4)
Many years later, Paul wrote to the church of Christ in Rome. Some of them were apparently drifting into a false doctrine of grace. They thought that there was no need to walk in newness of life; you could continue to live in sin and grace would abound toward you. Paul responded to this as follows...
¶1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:1-4 NKJV).
This newness of life is not like a new chariot —bright new when acquired, but it gradually gets old. Newness of life from Jesus never grows old. It is forever new.
Paul's letter to the Romans is not the only scripture that teaches the need to live actively for Jesus. The letter to the Hebrews has a very strong passage about the grace of God and the true Christian’s determination to overcome sin (Hebrews 10:19-30)..
QUESTIONS
1. How did Paul view his life since his conversion? (A) He was a failure, (B) he had lived in wilful sin, (C) He has fought the good fight.
2. How did the first Christians act toward the apostles' doctrine? (A) They continued steadfastly in it, (B) They kept on sinning against it, (C) They kept it in their hearts but did not live it outwardly.
3. What does Paul say in Philippians about his walk with God? (A) It was too hard so he gave up, (B) He pressed on, (C) He had reached his goal.
4. What does Galatians 3:26-27 say about baptism? (A) Baptism is an act of faith in Christ Jesus, (B) We are baptized into Christ, (C) As many as have been baptized are clothed with Christ, (D) All of the above.
5. Until what event does God require a person to be faithful? (A) Sunset, (B) Death, (C) New birth.