HOLD FAST THE WORD OF LIFE (10)

“Therefore, brethren, STAND FAST and HOLD the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” – 2 Thessalonians 2:15

The reality of the end times calls Believers to HOLD FAST the WORD of LIFE: “Therefore, brethren, STAND FAST and HOLD the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2The.2:15). The New International Version says, “So then, brothers and sisters, STAND FIRM and HOLD FAST to the TEACHINGS we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” In the last ten days we’ve examined different views of the instruction to HOLD FAST the WORD of LIFE (Phil.2:16). The Word of Life has been interpreted to mean: The Word of God (1Pet.1:23); the Word that is ‘spirit’ and which gives and guarantees Life (Jh.6:63); the words of Eternal Life (Jh.6:68); the faithful Word (Tit.1:9); the good Word of God (Heb.6:5); and every Word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD (Dt..8:3; Mt.4:4; Lk.4:4).

In the first part of this passage, Paul wrote about the evil man of lawlessness, his wicked deeds, and the awful consequences awaiting him and his followers (vv.1-12). Now Paul addressed the Thessalonian believers with a positive, uplifting message about their salvation, and encouraged them to take a defensive posture against false teaching and to adhere to what he had taught them. Many false teachers were trying to pull the believers away from the truth into strong delusion, and persecution and trials were buffeting them. Paul urged them to hold their ground against these influences, and to keep a firm grip on the teachings they had received from him, either in person or by letter. He concluded with an uplifting benediction, calling on the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father to establish them in every good word and deed.

The church at Thessalonica was suffering because of their faith in Christ. In addition, they had many questions about His return. Would those who died first miss out? When would He come? How much longer did they have to go through suffering? Paul answered some of their concerns and reassured them that Jesus will come in the Father’s time and that those who die first will not miss out. Then he told them to stand firm and hold fast to the teachings they had received. The scriptures often warn against drifting from the truth into deception: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Gal.1:8–9).

It’s possible to slip back from a stance of love for God and His Word. For example, the risen Savior rebuked the church at Ephesus for having abandoned the love it had at first. He admonished: “remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works” (Rev. 2:4-5). We must constantly love the GOD of the WORD and the WORD of GOD. Jesus is returning for those who are His so that we can be with Him forever (Jh.14:2-3). That is the great hope we have as believers. And it is appropriate for us to look forward to His return with great expectation. But as we do so, we need to live for Him now. We must stand firm in our faith, letting nothing move us away from a sincere faith and devotion to the Lord Jesus, holding firmly to the teachings of Jesus and His apostles that we have recorded in the pages of the Bible.

Much more important than when Jesus will return, and the circumstances of His return, is how we wait for Him. This is more important than knowing the exact time when He’ll return. Does all of the turmoil in today’s world point to the end of the age? Certainly! Yet, people have had similar thoughts throughout history. But whether we are near the end or not, we must live as though it could be tomorrow, and be faithful.