Stand fast and hold on

 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. - 2 Thessalonians 2.13-15

God has done so much for us. He chose to offer salvation and sanctification through His spirit. He called us by the gospel so that we could obtain His precious gift of the glory of Christ in our lives. These folks in Thessalonica were still worried about missing the return of Christ so Paul spent a good amount of time explaining the return. I don’t understand it all and I certainly don’t know when Jesus is going to come back. But I do know He saved me and set me apart. I do know the glorious gospel is what my faith depends on.

And I do know Paul’s next words – ‘stand fast and hold to the traditions you have been taught.’ This word ‘traditions’ may be a little confusing for us. It needn’t be because the word literally means the doctrines or the teachings. Paul specifies that the Thessalonians are to not let go of these teachings whether the came through his letters or through His preaching. Today we have those same teachings and doctrines preserved for us in the written word of God.

The importance of holding on and standing fast in these teachings have never been more important. As we continue to wait for the return of Christ. We all need something to stand on and hold on to. What better than those Bible doctrines we have been taught?