General Patton held to a strategy of always advancing the attack. He kept pressing because he said he didn't like paying for the same real estate twice. The author of Hebrews is encouraging the same. If we would close this life with Christ; if we would enter His rest, if we would enjoy assurance, we must not stand still but keep pushing onward. The Lord is severe with traitors like Judas. If we deny Him, He will deny us. But He is patient with us like He was with Peter; if we are faithless He remains faithful. If we stumble and fall, He is rich in mercy and will lift us up and strengthen us again. He will see to it that His children by faith will indeed make it safely home.