‘Hold that fast which thou hast.’ This command confirms that the saints must pass through this trial. It is not about their being removed from the earth, for then it would not be necessary for them to hold on. ‘Behold, I come quickly [without delay]. For their encouragement in holding on during a time of trial they are told that they will not have to hold on for long. The trial may be sharp, but if it is painful for believers it will be much worse for the godless for the vengeance of God hovers over them.
Satan, and the world will try to take our crown. It will use persuasion and violence to get us to deny Christ. We dare not risk losing our crown; we cannot be saved without having the Son of God as our publicly acknowledged Saviour. The crown is for those who are faithful unto death, not for those who shrink from their testimony and even laying down their lives for Christ.
‘Him that overcometh’ and holds fast will have everlasting blessings from God. The Lord, who knows the measure of our strength, joins his exhortation to persevere with this further promise. The promise adds additional strength to us while we hold on in the trial. The mind which is under trial is greatly helped by being able to focus on a few things only. These become like bones within the body which give strength and shape to the whole soul. But no benefit will result unless we keep God’s encouragements in view. It is a promise, which, unless God had said it, we would not dare to hope for. It is a promise of permanent, eternal habitation in the presence of God.