THE CHILDREN OF PROMISE
"Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise." (Gal 4:28 KJV)
Devotion 1 of 15

INTRODUCTION

The nature of salvation must be discerned to some extent before it can be appropriated. No one, for example, will "call upon the name of the Lord" unless the NEED for His intervention and grace is realized. Individuals will not "grow in grace and truth" until they are aware such advancement is possible. The proclamation of salvation in Christ Jesus assumes thoughtfulness and resolution on the part of the hearers. In fact, the Gospel has no power in the individual at all until it is believed (Rom 1:16).

Difficulty Experienced

Throughout history, the church has experienced great difficulty in discerning the nature of the New Covenant. Satan and his powers of darkness have perpetrated views that perceive the New Covenant as basically like the Old Covenant--only with a new set of rules. Those embracing this heresy assume that God erased the law, replacing it with a new set of commandments. Even though Adam could not keep one commandment, and Israel could not keep ten, those who reason in this manner imagine, with a little more information, we can keep even more commandments.

Under such a delusion, "measuring up" is thought to be the fundamental point. Once this mythical status is achieved, it is thought, God will bless the people, giving them His mercy and grace. Scripture deals with this problem in a diversity of ways. Each approach is designed to destroy man's confidence in his own ability. Sin has blighted humanity, yet people are slow to see it. The entrance of sin not only affected our bodies, reducing them to mortality, it diminished our powers of reason, and made us vulnerable to the devil. Demanding that people "measure up" to Divine criteria in their own strength is like gathering runners for a marathon from the intensive care ward of the local hospital. They simply do not have in themselves what is required to do what God says. That is why God provided a Savior, an Intercessor, and a Spirit to help our infirmities.

"Faith" is contrasted with "works," as the MEANS of obtaining Divine approval (Rom 3:27; 9:32; Gal 2:16; Gal 3:2,5). "Law" is also compared with "grace," pointing to the BASIS of our acceptance (John 1:17; Rom 5:20; 6:14-15; Gal 5:4). "Grace" and "works" are also contrasted in this regard (Rom 11:6; 2 Tim 1:9), showing that what God does in us is infinitely greater than what we can do for Him.

The results of the two covenants are described in the words "bondage" and "freedom," or "liberty." (Gal 2:4; 5:1). The comparison of "death" and "life" are also used to distinguish the covenants, as well as "condemnation" and "justification" (2 Cor 3:6-9). These are foundational comparisons that are rarely heard in our day.

The dominating need for salvation has often been supplanted by an emphasis upon domestic and social matters. Frequently a philosophical approach is taken to life in Christ--a tactic that has yielded tragic results. These are very serious distractions, and their effects are seen in the weakened condition of the contemporary church.

This series of devotions will emphasize the nature of the New Covenant, and the unique association we have with God through Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I know the New Covenant possesses more of Your nature than I presently know. In Jesus' name, open my eyes to see it more clearly.

-- Tomorrow: ACCEPTABLE TO GOD --