We must stand on the Gospel, on Christ’s atoning death on the cross to wash away our sins and keep our faith that God will preserve us during trials.

Why Should We Stand Fast in the Faith?

The most important reason we should stand fast in the faith is that our enemy, the devil, is on the prowl, looking for people he can overcome. 1 Peter 5:8-10:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

We need to stand fast because we have an enemy who wants to defeat us and drag us back into sin.

Another reason to stand fast is that persecution is coming. A quick look at the Alliance Defending Freedom website (adflegal.org) yields recent examples of religious persecution in this country. Right now, the legal system is acting in favor of our religious rights, but this may not continue to be the case; we need to be ready to stand fast in our faith during persecution. There are also some conflicts beginning in workplaces and educational institutions.

There is some good news though. In Matthew 5:11-12, Jesus tells us we are blessed when they revile and persecute us, and when they say false things about us for His sake. We are to rejoice and to be glad because they persecuted the prophets before us. Jesus encourages us again in John 16:33:

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

We will face persecution for our faith, but we can rest in Christ’s words of encouragement.

There are false teachers out there, and they are infiltrating the church. In this case, the salvation of believers is not in jeopardy, but the unsaved are in real danger. False teachers are bringing a false gospel that will not save people from eternal punishment. If unbelievers are lured away by a false gospel, they may suffer eternal punishment rather than receive eternal life through the one true Gospel. False teachers look like genuine teachers; they look good and sound good, but their message does not save. Jesus described false teachers in Matthew 7, that they come in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves, and that we will know them by their fruit. We need to be watchful against false teaching.

When we stand fast in the faith, we will be saved. In Matthew 24:13, Jesus says “but he who endures to the end shall be saved.” In James 1:12, we are encouraged with these words:

Those who stand fast in the faith will receive the crown of life, promised by God, to those who love Him.

How Do We Stand Fast in the Faith?

The primary way we stand fast is that Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit upholds us. Consider the following verses:

John 6:37-40: All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing.

John 10:28-29: And I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.

Romans 8:34-35: Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In these verses, we should be encouraged that anyone who is in Christ will stay in Christ – He will not lose anyone, and nothing will be able to keep us from the love of Christ. The power of Christ is the primary way we are able to stand fast.

Part of standing fast involves preparing ourselves. The Apostle Paul wrote about the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:13-17. He outlines several pieces of equipment that a Roman soldier back then would put on before battle. Each piece of equipment had a specific job and equipped the soldier during battle. The writing is symbolic, but demonstrates how we can prepare ourselves for spiritual warfare – much like a soldier would prepare for a battle.

Spiritual disciplines are another way we can prepare, and stand fast. Spiritual disciplines include daily prayer, daily Bible reading, fasting, and worship. The Bible tells us we should pray without ceasing; try starting with 10 minutes of prayer when you get up in the morning and 10 minutes at night before bed. Reading your Bible daily prepares you for battle as well. In Ephesians 6, the Bible is called the sword. Swords are obviously offensive weapons used for attacking, but are also useful as defensive weapons – allowing you to block attacks. Recall that Jesus repeatedly used Scripture when He was tempted in the wilderness – as a defensive weapon against Satan’s attacks.

Finally, to stand fast in the faith, don’t try to do it alone. Hebrews 3:13 tells us to encourage each other daily so none of us may be hardened by sin’s lies. When we go through trials, it’s easier to get through them together. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Solomon wrote:

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Going through the Christian walk together means others will be there when you stumble. When you are attacked, if you have others with you, you can withstand the attack. We can take a note of caution from Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:12: Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. Don’t be overconfident that you can do it alone, that “you got this”. Stick with your Christian brothers and sisters.

Stand fast in the Gospel that saved you, knowing that Christ will preserve you. Prepare yourself for spiritual battle by equipping yourself as Paul wrote in Ephesians 6. Stand fast with your Christian brothers and sisters in Christ.