HOLD FAST WHAT YOU HAVE (2)

“Behold, I am coming quickly! HOLD FAST WHAT YOU HAVE, that no one may take your crown – Revelation 3:11

The conclusion of God’s Message to the Church in Philadelphia was for the Believers to HOLD FAST what they had: “Behold, I am coming quickly! HOLD FAST WHAT YOU HAVE, that no one may take your crown” (Rev.3:11). Jesus promised to “come soon,” which in this Greek context means something that will happen “quickly or suddenly,” not necessarily “a short time from now.” Meanwhile, He urged the believers at Philadelphia to keep a firm grip on the truth and on their loyalty to Him, and by these prohibit a usurping enemy from grabbing their crown.

This passage contains Jesus' letter to the church at Philadelphia which was a center for exporting the Greek language and culture into Asia Minor; hence, it had a secular missionary calling. Just as the city had an open door to the interior, so the church had an open door to spread the gospel: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have KEPT MY WORD, and have not denied My name” (v.8). Jesus commended the church and promised to keep them from the earth’s “hour of trial” (v.10). He then instructed the church to retain the truth and promised the Overcomer special recognition in the New Jerusalem (vv.11-12).

To hold fast what one has and ultimately receive a crown, involves persevering in life’s marathon race. To complete a marathon successfully, a runner had to adhere to strict discipline and abide by the rules governing the race. If he won the race, he would receive a crown as his reward. The Christian life is not a 100-metres dash but a marathon. Paul ran the race patiently, adhered to a strict discipline and kept the rules. He ran to win and expected to receive an imperishable crown (1Cor. 9:24-26). At the end, he testified that he had finished the race and expected the crown of righteousness as a reward from the righteous judge (2 Tim. 4:7–8).

We, too, are running a marathon that requires discipline, diligence, and perseverance. We must hold fast the Word of God, keep our eyes on Jesus, and not be distracted (Heb.12:1-2). Upon completing the race successfully, we will receive the crown of righteousness.

Let’s ponder on three pertinent truths concerning perseverance:

Perseverance is absolutely necessary. We must persevere for Jesus who has given us a crown – the Victor’s crown. This symbolizes victory; that we belong to Jesus and are on His side. Whoever refuses or fails to persevere can have his crown taken away. As Believers in Christ, we must say ‘No’ to sin and temptation. We must persevere in the Word and in holiness. We need to take seriously warnings like Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:12, “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” We must hold on to the end and not give up. As Jesus said “he who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Mt.24:13).

We have to work at persevering; it doesn’t just happen. But it’s a glorious work to keep our crown of victory. We must hold on to what we have. We must not let go (1Cor.9:24-27). We must hold fast by every means of Grace: The Word, watching, prayer, fellowship, and warfare. The promises given to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3 are given to those who “overcome” (Rev. 2:7, 2:17, 2:26, 3:5, 3:12, 3:21), to those who “remain faithful to the point of death” (Rev.2:10), to those who “do God's will to the end” (Rev.2:26), to those who “hold on to what they have until Jesus comes” (Rev.2:25). We work, through God working in us (Phi.2:12-13). In persevering, we become co-workers with God! 

There are entities and forces that are trying to take our crowns. This is war: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1Pet.5:8).