Perseverance is a difficult matter that requires much patience. We are tempted to depart from God and believe that He has departed from us when our request for joy, power, and fellowship with Christ is slow to be answered. But do not let impatience keep you from obtaining the sure promises – (Heb 10:23) "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)".
Secondly, Lord Jesus Christ is the only One that can put away sin, so we have nothing to look forward to if we depart from Christ, "But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries" (Heb 10:27).
And, why should we depart from Christ when mercy is for sinners? Just as the Father received the Son upon the basis of His work being finished, even so God will receive EVERY sinner that comes to Him by Christ – (Heb 7:24-25) "But this man, because he continueth forever [because His sacrifice for sins has been completely accepted and God the Father has raised Him to the throne of glory] hath an unchangeable priesthood [He presents Himself to the Father ON OUR BEHALF]. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." God the Father won't receive us because we try hard, because we pray hard, or because we really, really want to be saved. But, He will receive us as sinners because of His Son. Have you ever met a stranger on the street and had them introduced to you… and then received him because of a mutual friend? Even so, God receives dirty sinners and wayward saints because of His Son. And, He receives us as friends, reconciled children, and persons who've paid the debt that we owe. Read the parable of the prodigal son, return unto the Lord, and see for yourself, if you are not accepted. For it is written, "the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him" (Rom 10:12).
And, in returning unto the Lord, my brethren, we have need of patience. Chastisement is a grievous thing, and it wouldn't be chastisement unless it was (Heb 12:11). This earth is cursed for our sake with thorns and thistles, so there will be difficulty (Gen 3:17-19). But, the promises of God and the salvation that He gives overcomes it all – "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise (Heb 10:35-36)."
There are things to be learned as we PATIENTLY WAIT upon the Lord and obtain the salvation that He has promised us. He are (3).
1. We learn that He is faithful to His word, for it is written, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom 10:13). Sometimes I cannot see my election, but by God's grace, you and I are ALWAYS INCLUDED in the "whosoever".
2. We learn REAL JOY (Zech 8:19). Real joy is the putting away of the hypocrisy and recognizing that salvation, grace, and mercy are through the finished work of Christ alone. We have nothing to add, nothing to contribute, and can in no way deserve or improve upon the cross. Yet, God Almighty in His infinite electing love gives Christ to us. And, this actual attainment of Jesus Christ and fellowshipping with Him in His grace alone is real joy.
3. By this real joy, we learn HOW TO MINISTER (Zech 8:20-23). We tell sinners of the greatness of God's goodness, and they are attracted by the gospel that ministers to us (Acts 2:41-47). They come willingly, they come to the Lord, and they come knowing that you are His people– (Zech 8:23) "Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew [a true believer], saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you."
Finally, God gives us a desire to be in the house of the Lord, and He gives us our heart's desire. If the ONE THING you seek after is to worship God, be with the people of God, and to behold His beauty, then you can be sure that "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it (I Thess 5:24)". He will deliver you from the oppression of your adversaries, set your feet upon the Solid Rock, and give you songs to praise Him (Ps 27:4-6). You can be sure of it.