Being firm is one of the main messages for the New Testament church due to the constant persecutions in which they were involved for their faith, for their beliefs, and this not only goes for the New Testament church, but for us, who may not suffer physical persecution, but the pleasures of this world lie in wait for us to change the doctrine of Christ for them.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 (KJV)
This verse begins by saying “Therefore”, which denotes that Paul was giving advice in the previous verses. And yes, prior to those verses, Paul was talking about the coming of Christ and he also said that we have been chosen for salvation, so that’s why he says, “brethren, stand fast”.
It is very important that we retain what we have learned from the Scriptures, that in the midst of a generation that bets on sin, let us be lit torches amid the densest darkness that wants to scourge us.
The Bible gives us various examples of what it is to retain the doctrine of Christ, and the Apostle Paul is one of them, who, being in the past a Pharisee, zealous for the Law, having multiple titles and being a man of great importance, was able to throw it all away for Christ’s sake.
Dear brothers and sisters, let us retain the sound doctrine and good customs that we have learned.