1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12
Paul uses martial imagery: “Fight the good fight of faith.” The Christian life is described as a contest with enduring discipline, not a passive stroll. The call to lay hold on eternal life arises from the sense that believers are already called and have confessed a faith before witnesses. The verse connects perseverance with assurance—ongoing faith in the face of opposition, and confidence in the ultimate prize.
Theologically, this verse affirms divine sovereignty and human responsibility: God initiates life, and believers respond with active faith. It frames salvation as a present reality with an eternal horizon and emphasizes the public witness of faith—profession before witnesses has communal implications.
Application: stay committed to the core confession despite cultural pressures. In today’s world, that may mean standing firm on ethical lines in workplaces, resisting pressure to compromise, and maintaining integrity in public conversation about faith. Practical steps: join a faith community that encourages accountability, memorize key scriptures about faith and endurance, and set spiritual goals that require ongoing action.
Cross-References
- Hebrews 12:1-2
- Romans 8:28-30
- Philippians 3:12-14
- 2 Timothy 4:7
- 1 Peter 1:5