Jesus Christ exhorts each one of us in Revelation 2:10 to “. . . be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” About Christ, we are told in Revelation 3:14 that He is the “Faithful and True Witness.” Christ has not exhorted us to do anything that He would not do. In fact, He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). It is therefore imperative that we walk in His footsteps. While man and woman will sin from time to time, since we are not sinlessly perfect like Christ, we must be ever willing to make things right when we do. Romans 3:23 makes it clear that, “. . . For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”. I John 2:1 says, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:”. We must do our very best to walk in the Footsteps of Jesus (I Peter 2:21). Let us then analyze what being faithful is.
FAITHFULNESS DEFINED. In being “faithful,” as Christ commands us, means to be “trusty and faithful” and to “show ourselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties.” It means to keep “the faith” and “to be able to relied upon” and “worthy of trust.” In preparing His disciples for the day of Judgment, Christ says, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods (Matthew 24:45-47).” We see from this that the faithful are those who obey their Lord.
FAITHFULNESS IN ACTION. Galatians 5:6 says, “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” Faithfulness involves work, not to earn salvation, but to partake of the grace of God (Romans 5:2). We must have faith (Hebrews 11:6). Philippians 2:12 says, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” In living the faithful Christian life, a child of God must be active, zealous of good works (Titus 2:14). A Christian should love (I John 4:16). Christians must do all that we can to spread the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20). Christians should be daily involved in the study of the Word (II Timothy 2:15, Psalm 1). Christians should pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17). Christians should assemble with the Saints (Hebrews 10:25) and actively listen to the preaching or preach, pray, sing, give, and partake of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7, I Corinthians 16:2). Christians should also be of service to all (Matthew 25).
FAITHFULNESS REWARDED. Jesus has promised that if we are faithful unto the very point of death, that we will receive a crown of life that is eternal. It fades not away (I Peter 5:4). It is incorruptible, undefiled, and on reserve in Heaven for us (I Peter 1:4). This is with the Lord and all of the faithful (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). This is life eternal in happiness (Matthew 25:46, Revelation 21).
-Jason Gann
