NEWNESS OF LIFE

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Rom 6:4-6)

Devotion 2 of 11

A PATTERN THROUGHOUT SCRIPTURE
Adam and Eve

When our ancient parents sinned, they were not given a routine by which recovery could be realized. They were permanently expelled from the garden, and death began its ruthless reign. No provision was made for them to work their way back into the garden, or obtain a reprieve through diligent effort. Their only hope was the coming of Another, through Whom victory would be accomplished. There would be a new Man, a new battle, and a new victory!

Cain

When Cain sinned, no plan was presented for his recovery. Understanding that he was "of the wicked one," it should be apparent that he could not be reformed. Reformation presumes a remnant of goodness--something that is salvageable. This observation is not intended to introduce difficulties for the believer. It is merely to point out that reformation is not, nor has it ever been, a Divine alternative.

Esau

When Esau lost his birthright, no system was put in place to allow for him regaining it. One might theorize about the matter, considering how all would have been well if Esau would have repented. However, the Word of the Lord is clear on the point--the inheritance simply could not be regained. "For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears" (Heb 12:17). I understand that God's purpose is involved here; but that is not all that is involved. There is also a principle associated with this incident. Corruption cannot be reversed by the fallen nature.

Antediluvian world

The determination to destroy the world with a flood was irreversible. Once God had written off that generation, there was no possibility of retrieving it. Reformation was out of the question. The point to be seen here is simply this: once God has determined the unacceptability of something, there is no way for it to be made acceptable within itself.

Israel

There came a time in Israel's history when it was rejected by the Lord. The situation was so bad that God declared the prayers of the world's most righteous men could not move Him to favor the nation. "Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth" (Jer 15:1). This is not to be interpreted as a statement of futility--unless it be the futility of merely human effort. It does shows that reformation was not possible. Something new had to be done in Israel, and that is precisely what God promised would be accomplished.

Let it be clear: when we address the matter of man's fallenness, if there is no Divine intervention, there is no hope. God gave mankind 2,500 years before law to correct its own behavior. If information and direction is all man lacked, that
was provided under the law. After 1,500 years of effort under the system of Law, nothing was essentially changed. No person had extricated himself from mortality, and not a single sin had been permanently removed. Our race needed new life, not new directions!

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, help me to see the futility of human effort without Your blessing.

-- TOMORROW: THE OLD CANNOT BE MADE NEW --