Living in faith's house

The hope of the gospel - the definite future glory held out to all who believe into Christ as the reconciling sacrifice - is a glorious thing, and Paul encourages the Colossians to run so as to obtain it.

The apostle calls the saints and faithful brothers to continue in the faith, taking up permanent residence in the objective truths of the apostolic gospel. This involves being grounded and steadfast (having a sure foundation and a firm structure) and not being moved away from their gospel hope (not constantly shifting under the pressures and stresses exerted).

Must the true Christian persevere in this way? Yes, for without continuing in the faith a man is lost forever. Will the true Christian continue in the faith? Yes, for he is kept by the power of God through faith for salvation. Perseverance and preservation are not an either/or but a both/and proposition, and so Paul exhorts us not only to lay hold on Christ, but to keep hold on Christ.