Faith

 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Hebrews 10:39 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/heb.10.39.ESV

We have a choice, if we've professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We could shrink back or se could have faith. Both options have starkly different outcomes.

The Hebrew Christians were being tempted to shrink back from faith in Christ. They'd had to sacrifice a respectable place in their society for ostracisation. Humanly speaking, it would be easier to just return to a bit of respect.

The writer to the Hebrews pulls no punches however. If we shrink back, God will destroy us. Only those who endure to the end will be saved. Thankfully, our endurance is dependant upon God's faithfulness, not our performance.

Paul teaches elsewhere that even our faith in Christ is a gift of God. So there's no room for boasting. Our souls will be preserved, by the grace of God at work in our lives.

'Our Father, please give us enduring faith for salvation. Forbid that we should shrink back and be destroyed. In Christ's name, amen'

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