Character of Saints: Steadfast
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The character trait of steadfastness is a defining quality of the saints, reflecting their unwavering commitment to God and His commandments. This attribute is frequently highlighted in Scripture as essential for those who seek to live a life pleasing to the Lord.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of steadfastness is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "steadfast" is "aman," which conveys a sense of firmness, reliability, and faithfulness. In the New Testament, the Greek word "hypomonē" is used, denoting endurance, perseverance, and constancy.

Old Testament Examples

The steadfastness of the saints is exemplified in the lives of many Old Testament figures. Job is a quintessential example, as he remained faithful to God despite immense suffering and loss. His perseverance is noted in James 5:11 : "See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."

Another example is Daniel, who maintained his devotion to God even when faced with the threat of death in the lion's den. His unwavering faithfulness is a testament to his steadfast character.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, steadfastness is a hallmark of true discipleship. The Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to remain steadfast in their faith. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 , he writes, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

The Apostle Peter also emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in the face of trials. In 1 Peter 5:9 , he encourages believers to "resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering."

The Role of Steadfastness in the Christian Life

Steadfastness is not merely a passive trait but an active pursuit. It involves a deliberate choice to remain faithful to God, regardless of circumstances. This quality is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, as it enables believers to withstand the challenges and temptations of life.

The writer of Hebrews underscores the necessity of steadfastness in Hebrews 10:23 : "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." This verse highlights the connection between God's faithfulness and the believer's steadfastness, encouraging Christians to trust in God's promises as they persevere in their faith.

The Reward of Steadfastness

Scripture assures believers that steadfastness will be rewarded. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This promise serves as a powerful motivation for believers to remain steadfast, knowing that their perseverance will ultimately lead to eternal life with God.

In summary, the character of saints is marked by steadfastness, a quality that reflects their unwavering commitment to God and His truth. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of the apostles, believers are encouraged to cultivate this essential trait, trusting in God's faithfulness as they persevere in their spiritual journey.
Nave's Topical Index
Acts 2:42
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Nave's Topical Index

Colossians 2:5
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Steadfast unto the End
... Lesson 52 Steadfast Unto the End. ... Divinity, human beings may in this life attain
to perfection of character. ... as the seed of a vast harvest of saints and martyrs ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 52 steadfast unto the.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end ... in their
view accords with the Bible description of the character of the saints. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

Commendation for the Steadfast
... To this purpose are saints sent into the world"to ... to the truth, how solid, and how
steadfast you are ... by God's Spirit into steadfastness of character, just to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/commendation for the steadfast.htm

The Impossibility of Failure.
... of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering ... It is equally true that
the saints under the Old ... The moral character of the Most High, rather than His ...
/.../chapter vi the impossibility of.htm

The Broken Fence
... to alter my tone and cry "Be steadfast in the truth." The faith once delivered to
the saints is now ... I will mention some valuable guards of life and character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the broken fence.htm

Luther --A Stone on the Cairn
... out of place amongst doctors and mediaeval saints. His character, though not complex,
is many-sided ... tenderness and sadness in the steadfast eyes" altogether ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/luthera stone on the cairn.htm

"A Certain Young Man from Asia, Exceedingly Wealthy, of ...
... fasting, conspicuous for humility, and steadfast in faith ... spirit by the prayers of
the saints, he immediately ... nor a shifting fickleness of character induce any ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxii a certain young.htm

Of the Wisdom of Moses, which was an Object of Imitation to the ...
... addressed "to the assembly of the saints." Chapter XVII ... displayed the savage cruelty
of his character, by commanding ... the power of calm and steadfast prayer, he ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xvii of the wisdom of.htm

Grace and Holiness.
... And steadfast hearts will be "unblameable" hearts, hearts that ... he tells us that
"the saints" will be ... our Christianity becomes the permanent character of our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/thomas/the prayers of st paul/i grace and holiness.htm

Perseverance Proved.
... For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence
steadfast unto the end.". ... This is the real character of all true saints. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlix perseverance proved.htm

Resources
What is virtue ethics? | GotQuestions.org

Does God change His mind? | GotQuestions.org

Is God perfect? | GotQuestions.org

Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Character

Character Assassination

Character of God

Character of Saints: Attentive to Christ's Voice

Character of Saints: Blameless and Harmless

Character of Saints: Bold

Character of Saints: Contrite

Character of Saints: Devout

Character of Saints: Faithful

Character of Saints: Fearing God

Character of Saints: Following Christ

Character of Saints: Godly

Character of Saints: Guileless

Character of Saints: Holy

Character of Saints: Humble

Character of Saints: Hungering After Righteousness

Character of Saints: Hungering for Righteousness

Character of Saints: Just

Character of Saints: Led by the Spirit

Character of Saints: Liberal

Character of Saints: Loathing Themselves

Character of Saints: Loving

Character of Saints: Lowly

Character of Saints: Meek

Character of Saints: Merciful

Character of Saints: New Creatures

Character of Saints: Obedient

Character of Saints: Poor in Spirit

Character of Saints: Prudent

Character of Saints: Pure in Heart

Character of Saints: Righteous

Character of Saints: Sincere

Character of Saints: Steadfast

Character of Saints: Taught by God

Character of Saints: Taught of God

Character of Saints: True

Character of Saints: Undefiled

Character of Saints: Upright

Character of Saints: Watchful

Character of Saints: Zealous of Good Works

Character of the Wicked: Abominable

Character of the Wicked: Alienated from God

Character of the Wicked: Blasphemous

Character of the Wicked: Blinded

Character of the Wicked: Boastful

Character of the Wicked: Conspiring Against God's People

Character of the Wicked: Conspiring Against Saints

Character of the Wicked: Corrupt

Character of the Wicked: Covetous

Character of the Wicked: Deceitful

Character of the Wicked: Delighting in the Iniquity of Others

Character of the Wicked: Despising Saints

Character of the Wicked: Despising the Works of the Faithful

Character of the Wicked: Destructive

Character of the Wicked: Disobedient

Character of the Wicked: Enticing to Evil

Character of the Wicked: Envious

Character of the Wicked: Evildoers

Character of the Wicked: Fearful

Character of the Wicked: Fierce

Character of the Wicked: Foolish

Character of the Wicked: Forgetting God

Character of the Wicked: Fraudulent

Character of the Wicked: Froward

Character of the Wicked: Glorying in Their Shame

Character of the Wicked: Hard-Hearted

Character of the Wicked: Hating the Light

Character of the Wicked: Heady and High-Minded

Character of the Wicked: Hostile to God

Character of the Wicked: Hypocritical

Character of the Wicked: Ignorant of God

Character of the Wicked: Impudent

Character of the Wicked: Incontinent

Character of the Wicked: Infidel

Character of the Wicked: Loathsome

Character of the Wicked: Lovers of Pleasure More than of God

Character of the Wicked: Lovers of Pleasure, not of God

Character of the Wicked: Lying

Character of the Wicked: Mischievous

Character of the Wicked: Murderous

Character of the Wicked: Persecuting

Character of the Wicked: Perverse

Character of the Wicked: Prayerless

Character of the Wicked: Proud

Character of the Wicked: Rebellious

Character of the Wicked: Rejoicing in the Affliction of Saints

Character of the Wicked: Reprobate

Character of the Wicked: Selfish

Character of the Wicked: Sensual

Character of the Wicked: Sold Under Sin

Character of the Wicked: Stiff-Hearted

Character of the Wicked: Stiff-Necked

Character of the Wicked: Uncircumcised in Heart

Character of the Wicked: Unclean

Character of the Wicked: Ungodly

Character of the Wicked: Unholy

Character of the Wicked: Unjust

Character of the Wicked: Unmerciful

Character of the Wicked: Unprofitable

Character of the Wicked: Unruly

Character of the Wicked: Unthankful

Character of the Wicked: Untoward

Character of the Wicked: Unwise

Character: Defamation of, Punished

Character: Firmness of

Character: Firmness: Joseph in Resisting Potiphar's Wife

Character: Firmness: Paul

Character: Firmness: Pilate

Character: Good

Character: Instability of

Character: Instability: Israelites

Character: Instability: Pharaoh

Character: Instability: Reuben

Character: Instability: Solomon

Character: Revealed in Countenance

Physiognomy: (External Aspect)): Character Revealed In

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Character of Saints: Sincere
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