Stand Fast

Paul exhorted the Thessalonian believers to “stand fast” or to be on guard so they don’t get “shaken in mind, or be troubled” (v. 2). He warned them not to be deceived (v. 3a). Because prior to the revelation of “that man of sin” (v. 3c), or the antichrist, there will come “a falling away first” (v. 3a), or a departure “from the faith” (1 Tim 4:1), which is commonly called apostasy! Professing believers will not lose their salvation. However, if they abandon their faith in Jesus (Heb 3:12), by following the ways of false teachers (2 Pet 2:1), then they were never truly saved (Mt 7:22). Every true believer (Jn 5:24), has a perfect, complete, and eternal salvation in Christ (1 Jn 5:11).

We are safe and secured in our Saviour’s hand (Jn 10:28), and the Father’s hand (Jn 10:29). We are also “sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” (Eph 1:13). That’s triple security! Although we may be persecuted (Mt 5:10), mocked (Jude 1:18), and ridiculed (2 Pet 3:3), during these “last days” (2 Tim 3:1); our Lord Jesus promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5). Because He will be with us, “even unto the end of the world” (Mt 28:20)! In order to stand fast, Paul tells the Thessalonians to “hold the traditions” which they have been taught.

The word tradition simply means the act of delivering from generation to generation. These traditions do not pertain to the religious practices and rituals delivered by their forefathers. But the “sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9), that was delivered by Paul to his followers; either “by word” or by his epistles. Sadly, many modern churches today no longer hold to traditional preaching, traditional music, and traditional prayer meetings. They cannot “endure sound doctrine” (2 Tim 4:3), but they favor ecumenical unity (2 Cor 6:14), and pragmatism (Isa 30:10). We need faithful and courageous preachers who would take a strong stand upon our traditional Biblical principles! God bless you!

-Pastor Melito Barrera