What does "hold to the testimony of Jesus" mean for believers now? Setting in Revelation 12:17 • “Then the dragon became enraged at the woman, and went off to wage war against the rest of her children—those who keep God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” • Two identifying marks of the faithful: obedience to God’s commands and steadfast loyalty to the testimony of Jesus. • “Hold” (Greek: echō) pictures continuous gripping, not a casual acquaintance. What the testimony of Jesus is • The gospel Jesus proclaimed: His life, death, resurrection, and promised return (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 1:11). • The prophetic witness that Jesus Himself bears about His saving work: “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:10) • The full counsel of Scripture: “All Scripture is God-breathed.” (2 Timothy 3:16). Because Jesus is the living Word (John 1:1-14), Scripture’s testimony is His testimony. How believers hold it now • Believe it—unwavering confidence that every word is true (John 20:31). • Confess it—speaking openly about Jesus: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’…you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) • Live it—obeying what He taught (John 14:15; James 1:22). • Defend it—“contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3) • Endure for it—remaining faithful under pressure: “Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10) • Discern by it—testing every spirit and teaching against Scripture (1 John 4:1-3; Acts 17:11). • Share it—making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). Why holding the testimony matters • It identifies us as true children of God (Revelation 12:17). • It overcomes the adversary: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11) • It unites believers across cultures and centuries (Ephesians 4:4-6). • It anchors hope amid tribulation (Hebrews 10:23). • It glorifies Christ, whose name we bear (Philippians 2:9-11). Practical checkpoints for today • Daily Scripture intake—reading, hearing, and memorizing. • Regular fellowship—strengthening one another to remain steadfast (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Clear, gracious speech about Jesus at home, work, and community (1 Peter 3:15). • Courageous stand when biblical truth clashes with cultural trends (Acts 5:29). • Persistent prayer for boldness and faithfulness (Ephesians 6:18-20). Encouragement and assurance • Jesus promises to confess before the Father everyone who confesses Him before men (Matthew 10:32). • No power can separate us from His love as we cling to His testimony (Romans 8:38-39). • “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) Holding to the testimony of Jesus means clutching, living, and proclaiming the unchanging truth about Him—whatever the cost—confident that the Lamb who was slain now reigns and will soon make all things new. |
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