EXCEEDING GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES

"May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:2-4, RSV).

Devotion 10 of 10 CONCLUSION

Forever put behind you the thought of "just getting into heaven" being enough for you. How often I have heard people say, "If I just get to heaven, I will be satisfied." Such an expression reflects either a lack of thought, or a failure to grasp something of the enormity of salvation--probably both. It views salvation as primarily an extrication from unacceptable circumstances and environs. But that does not portray God's "great salvation" with any acceptable degree of accuracy. How refreshing is the revelation of the real situation. "But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which GOD HAS PREPARED for those who love Him.' But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God . . . Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, THAT WE MIGHT KNOW the things that have been freely given to us by God" (1 Cor 2:9-10,12). Prior to the enthronement of Christ Jesus, it is true that men possessed a sparse knowledge of the things prepared by God for those who love Him. But that is no longer the case! Now God has revealed these things through His Holy Spirit, so we might know of them. That is the theme of the Apostolic writings. The Apostles of the Lamb did correct both the behavior and views of the early church--but that was not their primary ministry. That only brought the church into the circumference of blessing, where they could be told of their inheritance. In the kingdom of God, required results cannot be achieved apart from the appointed means. It is not possible to participate in the "divine nature" while ignoring the "exceeding great and precious promises." On the other hand, it is impossible to "embrace" the promises and fail to partake of the "divine nature." These are the designated means for conforming you to the image of God's Son. Without contradiction, there is no better way to please God than to be like His Son! Consider the promises. Embrace them with determination. Let them engage your mind, and dwell upon them. God has given them as the means to the glorious consummation of His purpose in you. You can expect them to be effectual. When you are tempted to doubt, ask God to help your unbelief! Take hold of the promises, saint! Take hold!

-- MONDAY: New Series, INTERCESSORY PRAYER --