The Confidence of Christ

The Confidence of Christ:

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

When I look around and see all of the fallen humanity, my heart is broken. It's devastating to just watch one continue on in his or her sinful way of life. It's infuriating that the enemy can weasel his way into some of the kindest people's lives and deceive them so dramatically.

I simply can't help but want to help. I long to show these people that there's so much more to life than whatever it is they are all chasing. This great news I have rooted in my heart is not meant to be selfishly kept as a secret. This life-changing truth is meant for the releasing and rejoicing.

"We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at first." (Hebrews 3:14)

Many people disregard and contemn us as Christians. This is another example as to why we mustn't allow people's opinionated attitudes to taint our passion. We cannot shrink back into timidity and uncertainty, instead we must hold tight to our confidence in Jesus all the way until we reach the finish line.

The word confidence in Hebrews 3:14, mentioned above, is the word ὑπόστασις (hypostasis) in the original Greek. This word is from a compound of the words ὑπό (hypo - meaning "remaining under") and ἵστημι (hístēmi - meaning "to firmly establish").

These two words come together to portray a foundational underpinning that's strong, firm, and substantial. This word is not used too frequently in the New Testament. However, when it is used, it is most often translated to be the words confidence or assurance.

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1)

The verse directly before Hebrews 11:1 is Hebrews 10:39. This verse ties into our theme of sticking it out, fighting the good fight of faith, and proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel.

"But our way is not that of those who draw back to eternal misery (perdition) and are utterly destroyed, but we are of those who believe [who cleave to and trust in and rely on God through Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by faith preserve the soul." (Hebrews 10:39)

Jesus is our ὑπόστασις; He is our complete confidence. We are not of this world, therefore we don't bind our hope to the things of this world. Instead, we boldly trust in Christ the Lord, and we're fortified by His might and need not cement our certainties in worldly fallacies.

"Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God." (2 Corinthians 3:4-5)

All of our accomplishments, every victory in our spiritual battles, and every soul that says yes to fellowship with God is all to the glory and through the power of the Mighty Lord Himself.

"In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." (Ephesians 3:12)

Can't you see how Jesus has built us an unshakable foundation? So unshakable in fact, that we can approach the Lord of the whole entire universe at any time for any reason. Jesus demolished the wall that separated us from God, and in its place He built us a Solid Rock on which we can bravely stand.

How can we not share this amazing truth? Why do we keep silent about something this spectacularly miraculous? Why can't everyone know? What can we do to get the Word into all those empty hearts? What can we do to make it happen?

We live out our lives in ὑπόστασις. The radiance of Christ-confidence shines through us, and brings others into the Light. When people look at us they'll see God's love and His compassion, and they're going to want in on it. This! This is how we make it happen! We live bold, Christ-like lives for the preservation of souls everywhere.

Let the Lord shine brightly through you today. You never know just how many hearts He'll heal through your obedience.

-The Introverted Evangelist