Hebrews 10:35-36 Faith’s Practice and Reward

Hebrews 10:35-36 (KJV)  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 

The writer of Hebrews instructs us on the finer points of faith’s practice and reward, exhorting us to continue steadfast in the faith. Following Christ is a daily counting of cost for there is apparently much to lose, as we count loss the gains of this world. The writer assures the believers in affliction, persecuted as a result of their faith in Christ, not to be dismayed, the reason is that there is a great recompense of reward for the faithful. 

As such, they must not “cast away” this confidence. What is this confidence? The courage or “boldness of mind” to steadfastly hold on to their faith in Christ. This is the fruit and effect of their faith. It is such “a frame of the spirit”, that the writer exhorts the believer to hold on to. This is the spirit of persevering prayer.

Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The opposite of this confidence is, may I say, “the bondage of fear and unbelief”. Let not such fear weaken our mind not to stand fast following the Lord.

Our text tells us in verse 35 it is with this confidence such “undaunted courage” and “strength of mind” – “cast not away”, “cast not away” therefore your confidence and in verse 36 with enduring patience – for ye have need of patience.

That suffering for Christ’s sake is the believer’s lot in life is an undeniable truth. The question is how does the believer overcome the pain and remain faithful? By trusting God and having the right valuation of the believer’s eternal reward. Knowing the need to be courageous here and now is indispensable to receiving the future happiness that is faithfully promised.

Amen.