THE faith which we are here commanded to hold is not merely confidence in God but rather that faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. In other words, it is the form of doctrine which has been committed to us. This faith and a good conscience are intimately linked together. He who becomes careless as to his behavior and puts away a good conscience will soon become recreant concerning the faith. We hold the truth only as we walk in subjection to that truth; if we trifle with it we lose it. We can hold the mystery of the faith only as we maintain a pure conscience (3:9).
“My soul, be on thy guard,
Ten thousand foes arise;
And hosts of sin are pressing hard
To draw thee from the skies.
Oh, watch, and fight, and pray!
The battle ne’er give o’er;
Renew it boldly every day.
And help divine implore.
Ne’er think the victory won.
Nor once at ease sit down;
Thy arduous work will not be done,
Till thou obtain thy crown.”
—Heath.