In what ways can we "hold fast to My covenant" today? The Call to Hold Fast Isaiah 56:6 speaks of those “who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant.” God’s heart has never changed; He still desires a people who cling tightly to His covenant promises and obligations in every generation. Below are clear, Scripture-rooted ways we can do that today. Seeing the Covenant Clearly • God’s covenant is His solemn, binding promise to redeem and rule His people—fulfilled perfectly in Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20). • To “hold fast” (Hebrew ḥāzaq) means to seize, cling, or keep a firm grip (Deuteronomy 10:20). It is active and intentional. Ways to Hold Fast Today • Trust the finished work of Jesus – “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20). – Daily rest your confidence in His sacrifice, not human effort. • Guard pure doctrine – “Hold fast the pattern of sound teaching” (2 Timothy 1:13). – Compare every teaching with Scripture; reject distortions of the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). • Obey Christ’s commands – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). – Covenant loyalty is proved in practical obedience—speech, ethics, relationships, finances. • Keep the Lord’s Day sacred – Early believers met “on the first day of the week” to break bread (Acts 20:7). – Set the day apart for worship, rest, fellowship, and works of mercy, reflecting the Sabbath principle Isaiah highlights. • Persevere through testing – “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess” (Hebrews 10:23). – Trials refine faith; endurance displays covenant faithfulness (James 1:12). • Cultivate covenant community – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship” (Acts 2:42). – Join with believers for worship, accountability, and service; isolation weakens grip. • Practice grateful remembrance – Celebrate the Lord’s Supper regularly: “Do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:25). – Remembering anchors hearts in covenant grace. • Walk in the Spirit – “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free” (Romans 8:2). – Rely on the Spirit’s power to live out covenant righteousness (Galatians 5:16-25). • Teach the next generation – “Make them known to your children and your children’s children” (Deuteronomy 4:9). – Family discipleship preserves covenant truth for years to come. Living It Out Daily 1. Begin each morning by reaffirming trust in Christ’s blood-sealed covenant. 2. Read at least one chapter of Scripture, asking, “How can I obey this today?” 3. Memorize key covenant verses (e.g., Hebrews 10:23, John 14:15). 4. Gather weekly with believers; prioritize worship over competing activities. 5. Identify one area where obedience is lagging; submit it to the Spirit’s control. 6. Share covenant hope with someone who hasn’t yet believed. Encouragement to Persevere Jude 24-25 assures us that God “is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless.” As we cling to His covenant in these practical ways, He faithfully holds us fast, securing our present walk and eternal future. |
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