THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF TRUTH

" . . . If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free . . . If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:31-36)

Devotion 10 of 20

DIVINE PROVISION

The Lord is EAGER to accomplish His purpose. More than that, He is ABLE to do so. Because of the spiritual poverty induced by sin, He Himself must supply us with "all things that pertain to life and godliness." The Word of God affirms that He, in fact, does precisely this--and that the provision is made through His Divine power. "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him . . . " (2 Pet 1:3). The means through which these provisions are realized is "the knowledge of Him,'" i.e., our personal familiarity and fellowship with Him.

Humanity is not capable appropriating the required resources on its own. Therefore God, in Christ, brings the resources to us. What a marvelous situation is thus declared. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (1 Cor 1:30). From a moral point of view, regeneration involves a change of character. Now, we prefer righteousness and hate sin. From a spiritual point of view, it involves a change of location. Once we were "in the flesh," now we are "in Christ Jesus." Jesus is the appointed Environment in which resources required to get from "here" to "there" are appropriated.

And why is it that we possess these things? Are they ends of themselves? Indeed not! It is not enough to be wise if we do not walk with God! It is insufficient to have righteousness if it does not enable us to come into the presence of the Lord. What good is sanctification if God does not employ us in His eternal purpose? Of what worth is redemption if we do not return to the "chief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls"? It is of no benefit to have a renewed mind if it is not devoted to the Lord. A new heart is of no value if it is not given to our Savior.

The power of these benefits is realized in their unity with Divine intentions. They are all related to the objective of God, finding their sole significance in His eternal purpose. As you participate in them, or receive them, they make you productive in the Spirit. As it is written, "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 1:8).

PRAYER POINT: Father, Thank You for the marvelous provisions You have given to me in Jesus Christ! In His name, I ask for strength to appropriate them fully for Your glory and my salvation.

-- TOMORROW: THE MEANS OF APPROPRIATING THE BENEFITS --