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What does the Bible say about finishing well?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that believers are called to persevere in faith and obedience to the end, trusting God’s preserving grace rather than their own strength. Paul could say in 2 Timothy 4:7 that he had finished the race because Christ had sustained him through costly ministry. Acts 20:24 and Philippians 3:14 portray life as a race whose goal is faithful service and the prize of God’s upward call. Hebrews 12:1 urges endurance with eyes fixed on Jesus, while 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 calls for disciplined holiness. Yet Philippians 1:6 assures us that God will complete the good work He began. Therefore, Christians should not grow weary in doing good, but bear fruit with thankful confidence in God’s faithfulness.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 2 Timothy 4:7

    I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.

  • Acts 20:24

    But these things don't count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.

  • Hebrews 12:1

    Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

  • Ecclesiastes 7:8

    Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

    [24] Don't you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. [25] Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. [26] I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, [27] but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

  • Philippians 3:14

    I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

  • 2 John 1:8

    Watch yourselves, that we don't lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward.

  • Philippians 1:6

    being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

  • Colossians 1:10-14

    [10] that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy; [12] giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; [13] who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love; [14] in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins;

  • Galatians 6:9

    Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up.

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