Many and various afflictions united against the early Christians, and
they had a great conflict. The Christian spirit is not a selfish spirit;
it puts us upon pitying others, visiting them, helping them, and
pleading for them. All things here are but shadows. The happiness of the
saints in heaven will last for ever; enemies can never take it away as
earthly goods. This will make rich amends for all we may lose and suffer
here. The greatest part of the saints' happiness, as yet, is in
promise. It is a trial of the patience of Christians, to be content to
live after their work is done, and to stay for their reward till God's
time to give it is come. He will soon come to them at death, to end all
their sufferings, and to give them a crown of life. The Christian's
present conflict may be sharp, but will be soon over. God never is
pleased with the formal profession and outward duties and services of
such as do not persevere; but he beholds them with great displeasure.
And those who have been kept faithful in great trails for the time past,
have reason to hope for the same grace to help them still to live by
faith, till they receive the end of their faith and patience, even the
salvation of their souls. Living by faith, and dying in faith, our souls
are safe for ever.
Hebrews 10:32-39
32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You suffered along with those in prison
and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you
knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For,
“In just a little while,
he who is coming will come
and will not delay.”
38 And,
“But my righteous one will live by faith.
And I take no pleasure
in the one who shrinks back.”
39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.
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