Theology & Life

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Recently I was in my car and the Norton Hall version of “He Will Hold Me Fast” came through my speakers. Of course, I began listening to it, for it has to be a rare moment to pass that song up.

The lyrics, like usual, struck me. They just hit different. They hit different because I felt different. On this particular day, I felt rather lousy—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Call it what you want, but my head and heart just weren’t there. So as a listened, I broke.

I could never keep my hold — when I sang those words I began to lose it. Though I felt lousy I knew I didn’t have a lousy Savior. Those words rang more true on that day than others. On a day when I could feel my lousiness and apathy, this song struck me in the heart. I could never keep my hold of Jesus, because unfortunately my love is often cold.

But He will hold me fast. Matter fact, according to His promises, He must hold me fast. And thank God for that. If my salvation were up for me to keep, I would have lost it a thousand times over. As John MacArthur once said, “If you could lose your salvation, you would.”

You see, the fact of Jesus holding us fast doesn’t — or, at least, shouldn’t — create an attitude of apathy, of not caring if we progress forward as Christians. It should be our foremost desire to become more like Jesus; and when we stumble, fall, and slide, it hurts.

But the promise of Jesus holding us fast is a balm to our souls, a healing touch to our wounds. We’d never make it without his firm, loving, merciful hold on us. For the times we try to let go — whether intentionally or not — He will never let us go. He will hold us fast.

This precious truth is proclaimed over and over again throughout Scripture. Jude 24 says, “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.” Elsewhere, Paul writes, “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6).

Those are just two of a plethora of verses showing this amazing truth: Jesus will hold us fast. God will not let go of us nor will He allow us to flee from His grip.

Christian, meditate on this reality. When you’re stuck, frustrated, and apathetic, remember these words: Jesus will hold you fast. You can’t do it on your own—none of us can. We weren’t designed to and God doesn’t pretend that we’re supposed to. Hold onto God! Don’t let go! The finish line to true freedom is closer each and every day. Keep pushing, keep striving in the gospel — most importantly, keep trusting in Jesus, for He is the one who pushes you.