SATURDAY CONTEMPLATION
A Ministry of Given O. Blakely

IF GOD PERMIT

"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits." (Hebrews 6:1-3)

This passage is conducive to sober thought. It is also highly disruptive of some cherished theology. While much contemporary religion lingers in the vestibule of doctrine, the Holy Spirit urges us to deeper involvement with God. The New Covenant is one of nearness, making no provision for living at a distance from the Lord. There is no provision in Christ for practical detachment from Him–or living in aloofness from Him.

Continued rehearsal, or discussion, of elemental doctrines will yield spiritual stagnation. Foundational doctrines are to be comprehended and built upon. Think of the teachings brought to our attention by the Spirit. Repentance from dead works, faith toward God, baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal; judgment. In some circles, these would be considered weighty subjects. Many believers have heard very little teaching on any of them.

Repentance from dead works has to do with our initial turning to God. Faith toward God also touches upon that initial experience–the beginning of spiritual life. Equally true, baptisms deal with our induction into Christ, and the introduction of spiritual life. The laying on of hands also has to do with beginnings, or commencing life with God. The resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment deal with the beginning of eternity from an experiential point of view. All of these matters must become so obvious to the child of God that life is lived within an acute awareness of them.

The solemn admonition, "Let us go on to perfection," or spiritual maturity. Perfection, or maturity, has to do with living by faith, walking in the Spirit, walking in the light, or having fellowship with Jesus Christ (Heb 10:38; Gal 5:16,25; 1 John 1:7; 1 Cor 1:9). It is living within close proximity to the throne–drawing near with a true heart, and in full assurance of faith (Heb 10:22).

Speaking for the readers, the text affirms, "And this we will do if God permits." How is it that such a statement is made? Is it possible to fail to grow for such a lengthy period God will not allow the person to move beyond it? Indeed it is, else the statement is pointless! The reason is obvious. We do not live in a moral vacuum! We are surrounded by adverse personalities and circumstances that aggressively seek our affection. The pressure exerted by these forces is so powerful that failure to grow spiritually will result in retrogression--drawing back, and losing ground. Eventually, the person "drawing back" (Heb 10:38-39) loses sensitivity to the Lord. The heart grows calloused, and the conscience becomes seared. Finally, a point is reached where God will not permit advance.

If you are one who has drawn back from the Lord, you have no guarantee that you can remain in that state and still eventually go on to perfection. Right now, commit yourself to become spiritually mature–to go on to perfection. Let your will be resolute in this matter. We have every reason to believe God will "permit" such to move into the realm for which Christ has suited them.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I do not want to remain juvenile and spiritually immature. Nor, indeed, do I want to lose the spiritual ground I have gained. I know you have provided everything required for spiritual progress, and I desire to avail myself of it all. In the name of Jesus, I resolve to move on to perfection. I am trusting You will empower me to realize this objective.

– MONDAY: THE SERAPHIM –
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In joyful expectation of glory,
Brother Given O. Blakely