“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”

This verse, perhaps unintentionally, answers a question that many people have about their salvation security. That question takes the form of “Can I lose my salvation?” or, “If I have been baptized, could I still be lost?” It is often answered by the phrase, “Once saved, always saved.”

This verse reminds us that the promise, like most of God’s promises, is conditional. God’s part will not unravel. He keeps his word. Faith, which is essential to pleasing God, must be maintained by the saved. In the next chapter, the author will examine the faith of many well-known followers of God. We will see the close connection to the realization of the promise and the faith of the one promised.

What is promised is conditional on doing the will of God. Remaining faithful is a key concept to receiving the promises of God. God’s part in giving us the promise is not questionable. He is faithful and will do everything He has promised to do. God’s love is without condition, but His promises often are.

Task for Today:  Make your calling and election sure by maintaining your faith. Not a simple belief in Jesus and God but a deep “I will obey your word,” faith. Maintain your relationship with God. He offers every opportunity, but He will not force you to remain faithful. That is your responsibility. Like all those great witnesses of faithfulness, “by faith…”, do His will.