Hold Fast: Running this Race and Living Ready for Christ’s Return

Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to watch, stand firm, and overcome. We live in a world full of deception, distraction, and spiritual warfare—yet the Lord continually reminds us that His return is near. The passages you’ve shared all carry the same heartbeat: Hold fast. Stay awake. Don’t let anything or anyone take your crown.

“Behold, I Come Quickly” — A Call to Perseverance

Revelation 3:11–12 gives a powerful warning and promise:

“Behold, I come quickly; hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

Jesus tells believers to hold fast—meaning to cling tightly to Him, His Word, and His truth. Why? Because crowns are real. Rewards are real. And faithfulness matters.

To the overcomer, Jesus promises:

• A place as a pillar in God’s temple

• A new identity, sealed with God’s name

• Citizenship in the New Jerusalem

These promises aren’t symbolic—they are eternal realities awaiting those who endure to the end.

The Serious Warning of Revelation 22

Revelation 22:11–14 echoes the urgency:

“Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me…”

Everyone will reap according to their deeds—whether righteous or sinful. The holy will be holy still, and the unjust will remain unjust.

This is not merely a warning; it’s an assurance that God sees everything, and His justice is perfect.

Do Not Be Deceived: The Last Days Demand Discernment

2 Thessalonians 2:1–4 reveals a great danger: deception.

Before Christ returns:

• A great falling away must occur

• The man of sin (Antichrist) will be revealed

• He will exalt himself as God

This makes spiritual vigilance essential. Deception doesn’t begin with false teachers—it begins in the heart.

SELF-DECEPTION: WHERE THE HEART GOES, THE LIFE FOLLOWS

Jesus said:

“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21

Self-deception occurs when our treasure shifts from God to worldly comforts.

Paul describes this inner battle vividly in Romans 7:14–25. Even believers struggle with the pull of sin versus the desire to obey God. But the key truth stands:

Christ is our deliverer.

We overcome not by willpower, but by surrender—by walking in the Spirit and keeping our hearts fixed on eternal rewards.

THE FIVE CROWNS: REWARDS FOR FAITHFUL BELIEVERS

Scripture identifies five crowns—the eternal rewards Jesus will give to His faithful. These are not symbolic ornaments; they represent honor, responsibility, and reward in God’s kingdom.

1. The Incorruptible Crown — For the Self-Disciplined

(1 Corinthians 9:24–27)This is the victor’s crown, awarded to believers who bring their flesh under submission and run the race with purpose. They choose God’s will over personal comfort.

2. The Crown of Life — For the Faithful and Persecuted

(James 1:12; Revelation 2:9–11)This crown belongs to those who endure trials, persecution, even martyrdom—remaining faithful unto death.

3. The Crown of Rejoicing — For Soul-Winners

(1 Thessalonians 2:17–20)This is the soul-winner’s crown for those who faithfully share the gospel and lead others to Christ.

4. The Crown of Glory — For Faithful Shepherds

(1 Peter 5:1–4)Given to pastors, teachers, leaders, and anyone who feeds God’s flock with truth and godly example.

5. The Crown of Righteousness — For Those Who Love His Appearing

(2 Timothy 4:1–8)Awarded to believers who long for the Lord’s return and live a holy life, rejecting the world’s fables and false teachings.

Walking in the Light

Ephesians 5:2–8 commands believers to walk in love, flee immorality, and refuse to participate in the works of darkness. God warns that deception often enters through:

• Empty words

• Compromise

• Cultural pressures

• Carnal pleasures

But we are called to be children of light, not partakers with the world.

Hearing the Shepherd’s Voice

John 10 paints a beautiful picture of Jesus as the Good Shepherd:

• His sheep know His voice

• They refuse to follow strangers

• He lays down His life for them

• He leads them to abundant life

This means discernment is not optional—it’s part of belonging to Him.

You Must Be in the Race to Receive the Prize

Eternal crowns are not given by default. They are awarded to those who:

• Run

• Fight

• Endure

• Overcome

• Serve

• Finish well

Faith is not passive—it’s a lifelong pursuit.

The Day of the Lord: A Thief in the Night

2 Peter 3:1–10 warns that scoffers will mock the promise of Christ’s return. But God is not slow—He is merciful, giving humanity a chance to repent.

Yet judgment will come suddenly, and only the overcomers will stand.

Revelation 21:7–8 makes this clear. The faithful inherit the kingdom. The unbelieving and sinful inherit the lake of fire.

Heaven Rejoices Over One Sinner Who Repents

Luke 15 reminds us of God’s heart:

• The Shepherd pursues the lost sheep

• The woman seeks the lost coin

• Heaven erupts in joy over one repentant sinner

No matter how dark the world becomes, God is still saving, still searching, still restoring.

YOU "MUST" BE BORN-AGAIN

“⁵ Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” — John 3:5-6

FINAL WORD: HOLD FAST—YOUR CROWN IS AT STAKE

In these last days, deception will increase, sin will be celebrated, and many will fall away. But Jesus calls us to stand firm, remain faithful, and run the race set before us.

Because soon—very soon—He will return.

And to the overcomer belongs:

• Eternal joy

• Eternal reward

• Eternal identity

• Eternal life

Hold fast. Stay ready. Keep running. Your crown is waiting.

WHERE IS YOUR "HEART" FOCUSED??