One of my favorite seminary professors taught one of my most challenging subjects, Hebrew poetry. He also happened to be an experienced rock climber. Professor Estelle would often implement rock climbing vernacular in his lectures. For example, in the midst of our studies he would occasionally stop and say, “Don’t worry. I have you on belay.”

He was referring to the technique a rock climber employs to keep his climbing partner safe while scaling a route. The belayer is the one who holds the rope his partner is climbing with, thus acting as his anchor and keeping him from falling to his death if he should slip. Not an unimportant responsibility!

In Philippians Paul expresses his absolute confidence in God, that the work of salvation He begins will surely be brought to completion. God has us “on belay.” His work in us continues with our spiritual growth and is completed when we enter into glory with Him for eternity. When we’re born again of the Spirit, we’re secure in Christ. He will not let our foot slip.