Today, testimonies shared of believers who have backslided for a period of time often trivialise the biblical definition of the word “backsliding.” In the Bible, the word “backsliding” refers to an unbeliever who had rejected Jehovah and bowed down to idolatry. It does not refer to a born-again believer who for a period of time loved the world. The question of “Will You Hold Fast to the End?” implies that backsliding must not be a normal occurrence in the life of a believer.

To “hold fast” (Rev 2:25) means to seize something in your hand without any desire to let it go because it is precious. Have we once held fast to our Christian faith, but soon became more carnal and are holding it lightly now? This was the issue with the church in Thyatira; and the Lord wrote the following to its church leaders:

1.  Hold Fast because of the Judge (Rev 2:18)

The Lord introduced Himself to the Thyatira church as having “his eyes like unto a flame of fire” (Rev 2:18), i.e. He was watching and would judge them within and without; and that “His feet are like fine brass,” i.e. that He was present everywhere and would judge them with His holiness and justice.

We must make sure that we hold fast by always being constrained with the motive of the love of Christ and to do things according to Scripture.

2.  Hold Fast without Compromise (Rev 2:19-24)

The Thyatira church had charity, faith and patience from the first work to the last. However, they allowed people of power and influence to remain in the church and to teach God’s Word wrongly, resulting in believers disobeying the Lord.

We must hold fast and have every doctrine rooted and grounded in the Word of God. We must never respect any person more than the Lord Jesus Christ. We must hold on to our faith in Him.

3.  Hold Fast to the End (Rev 2:25-29)

The Lord instructed the Thyatira church to hold fast to the works of charity, service, faith, patience and truth of God’s Word till He comes. God knows that no church is perfect, but there are certain transgressions that must not be allowed to remain especially pertaining to the teaching of God’s Word. We must do works that are based upon the Word and we must hold fast to the very end.