Grace and Perseverance

(Hebrews 12:1-3)

1Thou therefore, my child, be strong in the grace which [is] in Christ Jesus. 2And the things thou hast heard of me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, such as shall be competent to instruct others also. 3Take thy share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No one going as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please him who has enlisted him as a soldier. 5And if also any one contend [in the games], he is not crowned unless he contend lawfully. 6The husbandman must labour before partaking of the fruits. 7Think of what I say, for the Lord will give thee understanding in all things.

8Remember Jesus Christ raised from among [the] dead, of [the] seed of David, according to my glad tidings, 9in which I suffer even unto bonds as an evil-doer: but the word of God is not bound. 10For this cause I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which [is] in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11The word [is] faithful; for if we have died together with [him], we shall also live together;

12if we endure, we shall also reign together; if we deny, he also will deny us;

13if we are unfaithful, he abides faithful, for he cannot deny himself.

The Lord's Approved Workman

14Of these things put in remembrance, testifying earnestly before the Lord not to have disputes of words, profitable for nothing, to the subversion of the hearers. 15Strive diligently to present thyself approved to God, a workman that has not to be ashamed, cutting in a straight line the word of truth. 16But profane, vain babblings shun, for they will advance to greater impiety, 17and their word will spread as a gangrene; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18[men] who as to the truth have gone astray, saying that the resurrection has taken place already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19Yet the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, [The] Lord knows those that are his; and, Let every one who names the name of [the] Lord withdraw from iniquity.

20But in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthen; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21If therefore one shall have purified himself from these, [in separating himself from them], he shall be a vessel to honour, sanctified, serviceable to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22But youthful lusts flee, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart. 23But foolish and senseless questionings avoid, knowing that they beget contentions. 24And a bondman of [the] Lord ought not to contend, but be gentle towards all; apt to teach; forbearing; 25in meekness setting right those who oppose, if God perhaps may sometime give them repentance to acknowledgment of [the] truth, 26and that they may awake up out of the snare of the devil, [who are] taken by him, for his will.