Hebrews 10:38

But my righteous one shall live by faith: And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him, But we are not of them that shrink back into perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul.

Here is the answer to all problems, the solution of all difficulties, and the removal of all disappointments. This is a strong and candid declaration that Christians must "live by faith"! The matter of "when" Christ will come, as well as countless other questions can be safely left with the Lord. Enough for us to know that what God has promised is not about to fail. That soul that draws back because of any considerations whatsoever shall confront the displeasure of God himself.

Not of them that shrink back is an affirmation of the writer's confidence that his readers will, after all, continue in the path of duty and ultimately prevail. This same confidence was expressed also in connection with the powerful warnings of the sixth chapter (Hebrews 6:9,10). The dual mention of "faith" in these last two verses would appear to have thrust themselves upon the author's attention; and, immediately afterward, in what would be called by some a typically Pauline digression, there follows a moving, comprehensive discussion of faith, accompanied by a panoramic presentation of the great exemplars of faith.