{For we are become partakers of Christ} (metochoi gar tou
Christou gegonamen). Second perfect active of ginomai, "we
have become," not the equivalent of esmen (are). For metochoi
see  1:9  3:1  6:4 . We have become partners with Christ and
hence (gar, for) should not be tricked into apostasy. {If we
hold fast} (ean per katasch(936d)en). The same condition as in
verse  6  with per (indeed, forsooth) added to ean. Jonathan
Edwards once said that the sure proof of election is that one
holds out to the end. {The beginning of our confidence} (	(886e)
arch(886e) t(8873) hupostase(9373)). For hupostasis see  1:3  11:1 . These
faltering believers (some even apostates) began with loud
confidence and profession of loyalty. And now?