4/30/19 

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

“let us run with endurance the race”

This is an example from the track competition then, but it is equally relevant today for there is no track winner who does not finish the race.

“Once saved always saved” is a bitterly debated doctrine among believers.  But once the definition of saved is determined there is much less conflict.  Those who are truly converted will “run with endurance”.  They will complete the race in which they are entered.  It is certain about any race that not everyone is going to be first.  But the responsibility that is even more important is to give the effort the race requires and finish.

One example of this is the Boston Marathon.  There is a large financial prize for the man and for the woman who are first.  Yet there are hundreds who enter and have no expectations of doing anything but finishing.  A Christian never has to be the best at anything.  The encouragement of this text is to “run with endurance”.  All have the same great motivation, “looking unto Jesus!”