100. Promise to those who endure.

"Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth."(Revelation 3:10) That ain't a promise to everyone but only to those who have 'kept his word and have not denied his name', despite having 'little strength' (Vs 8), like those at the Church in Philadelphia. This had been the testimony of the saints of old. 'And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.'(Hebrews 6:15) We too have been commanded 'to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.'( Vs 12) Beyond receiving the promised child, Abraham looked forward to this salvation.(John 8:56, Galatians 3:8) We too are looking forward to 'our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.'(Romans 8:23) One of these days, it will happen - 'in a flash, in a twinkling of an eye' (1 Corinthians 15:52), ... 'the dead in Christ will rise first. After that , we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.' ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) Its this hope of redemption that causes us to patiently endure till the end. 'For in this hope we are saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.' (Romans 8:24-25) 'You too be patient and stand firm because the Lord's coming is near.' (James 5:8) Amen