Answer
Hebrews 10:36 could be considered an encapsulation of the entire message of the book of Hebrews: “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised” (ESV). Previously, the author exhorted the reader to “not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward” (verse 35, ESV). This confidence stems from all that was previously written in Hebrews, concerning the superiority of Christ in both His person and salvific work. Now, the recipients of the epistle have a need of endurance.
The book of Hebrews was directed toward persecuted Jewish Christians, many of whom had grown weary and entertained considerations of reverting to Judaism. The goal of the book was to stop their defection from Christ. The author thus portrays the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old, the sufficiency of Christ, and the dangers of apostasy. Given the richness of the gifts God has offered through Christ, we are called to persevere in life. The Hebrew Christians faced real persecution. When the writer of Hebrews says, “You have need of endurance,” he is issuing a call for perseverance and persistence, needed traits in the Christian journey. We live in an ungodly world full of hardship and adversity, and endurance is essential.
Jesus and His apostles also emphasized on the need for endurance. Speaking to His disciples, Jesus said, “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22, emphasis added). He also commended the church in Ephesus for persevering (Revelation 2:2) and encouraged the church at Smyrna to “not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. . . . Be faithful, even to the point of death” (Revelation 2:10). In the same vein, Peter commends believers who suffer for doing good (1 Peter 2:20), Paul encourages us not to become weary (Galatians 6:9), and James points to the Old Testament prophets as examples to follow (James 5:10–11). The uniform witness of Scripture is that Christians need endurance.
We may not all face malicious persecution in the modern world, but every Christian has experienced trials, including unexpected bills, financial strains, family breakdowns, or pressure to conform to unbiblical values. Added to these external hardships are temptations and struggles with the flesh. Like the Jewish Christians, one may feel tempted to leave Christianity or “deconstruct” to a compromised version of the faith. The words of Jesus, His apostles, and the book of Hebrews ring true today. We need endurance as much as the Christians of the first century.
Unfortunately, some Christians neglect the need for endurance. Some churches promote the false belief that Christians are exempt from suffering and promise unending comfort if they say the right words and apply faith. Such doctrine may appease the carnal mind, but it leaves believers to face the trials of life. Far better to teach the whole counsel of Scripture, including the need to endure trials.
But how do we endure trials? By our own strength? Hardly. Before Jesus’ arrest, the disciples believed their human effort would help them stand firm, but they abandoned Jesus in Gethsemane (Mark 14:50). Later, they all endured great persecution and remained unshaken in their faith. What made the difference? Witnessing the resurrection, and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. The gospel and the Spirit help us endure.
