Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness …” (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

We must fight the good fight. If we do not, we will not “lay hold of eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:12). The soldier who goes AWOL will not share in the rewards of victory.

We must finish the race. If we do not, we will not receive an incorruptible crown (1 Cor. 9:24-27). The runner who quits before the finish line will not receive a prize. We must keep the faith. If we do not, we will not go to heaven. Why? Because those who say they “know Him” but fail to keep His commandments, are liars, and no liar will go to heaven (1 Jn. 2:4; Rev. 21:8).

To fight the good fight, you must enlist as a soldier in the Lord’s army. You may do so by hearing the word, believing in Jesus, confessing Him, repenting of your sins, and being baptized for the remission of your sins (Rom. 10:9-17; Acts 2:38).

Steven F. Deaton