How Do We Remain Steadfast? (James 1:12)
Updated: Aug 29
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. —James 1:12
James 1:2 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” Now, in verse 12 of that same chapter, we are reminded that steadfast people will inherit the crown of life on the other side of tribulation. In this way, the testing of trials are a bridge to our eternal reward. This is why it's possible to “count it all joy.”
Steadfastness and love, however, are evidence of salvation, not the cause. We must be careful to see that the focus in this verse is not on the cause of eternal salvation. A person does not earn or achieve the crown of life through steadfastness or love for God—there are other Bible verses that teach us very clearly about the cause of eternal salvation (see, for example, John 3:16). What James 1:12 does is to teach us about some identifying marks of eternal salvation. It gives us certain evidence of a genuinely saved soul.
Twin Evidences
Two seemingly distinct evidences of salvation come together in this verse. James says that after a person has stood the test of trials in this life and remained steadfast, then he will receive the crown of life. One evidence, therefore, of eternal salvation is steadfast perseverance. James also says that the crown of life is promised to those who love God. Another evidence is love for God. How do these two evidences of grace work together?
The crown of life is not given to those who receive the gospel joyfully, enduring for a while but then fall away when tribulation or persecution arises (Matthew 13:21). People who turn away from God under trial show that they treasure a trial-free existence more than they treasure God.
God’s people do not treasure a thornless life. Their chief aim is not to a have a tribulation-free existence. Their chief aim is to see Christ glorified and to be satisfied with the sight of His glory. This is why they can remain steadfast under trial.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul's trial came in the form of a thorn in his flesh. Paul pleaded with God to take it away, but God chose to let it remain. Did Paul then forsake God, saying, “What good is it to follow you if I don’t achieve what I really want through you?” No. Rather, he began to see his trial as something to boast in, because he saw that Christ was being glorified in his weakness. This is where steadfastness under trial comes together with love for God. Paul’s treasure was not a thornless existence, it was Jesus glorified. He loved God more than anything.
The Truly Blessed
Happy are the people who are growing in eternal satisfaction in the glory of God. When Christ comes again, and commands their bodies to rise from the grave and be made new, their eyes will behold the fullness of His glory. Then they will have their treasure!
