Keeping people from apostatizing is the goal of the entire Hebrew epistle. Chapter 12 reinforces this goal, specifically exhorting the believing people to hold firm to the promises of God, even having not yet received His promises. Christians are called to be faithful to the end, running the race set before us with endurance, following in the path of Christ, and sharing in His suffering and shame. These sufferings and trials cannot be compared to the glory which we will receive. Knowing that Christ endured it, gives us encouragement.