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

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, the criterion for determining the validity of ones profession is not that he simply does what is supposed to be done--although that is necessary. Rather, it is seeing in the one professing faith the qualities that God promised would be in His people.

Reviewing a few of these promises may be helpful. The tender heart, or a "heart of flesh" (Ezek 11:19; 36:26). Willingness IN the day of His power (Psa 110:3). Walking in the ways of God (Isa 2:3). Keeping His judgments (Ezek 36:27). Hearkening to Christ Jesus, the Prophet (Deut 18:15). Knowing the Lord (Jer 31:34). Going from strength to strength (Psa 84:7). Having everlasting joy upon the head (Isa 51:11). Joyfully drawing water from the wells of salvation (Isa 12:3). The possession of insight and spiritual understanding (Isa 32:2-3). These are the qualities that distinguish the people of God. They evidence spiritual life, which is the line of demarcation between the children of the flesh and the children of promise.

I am careful to point out that the favor, or grace, of God is not conferred on these people BECAUSE they have these qualities. Rather, they have them because the favor of God IS upon them. It is their faith that appropriates the grace of God. As it is written, salvation is "by grace through faith" (Eph 2:7-10).

A work-oriented view of salvation places acceptable works before Divine initiative. But this is not at all the case. Works that are recognized by God are the evidence, rather than the cause, of His favor. When a person is conscientiously working out his own salvation with fear and trembling, it will become evident that "it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Phil 2:13).

This presents works in a completely different perspective. Now they become the evidence of sonship, and not the cause of it. They confirm the individual is a child of promise, but they do not make him a child of promise. Thus it is written, "We know that we HAVE PASSED from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death" (1 John 3:14). Again, Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that YOU ARE my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35).

Keeping the commandments thus become the evidence, or proof, that we do love God--that we ARE the children of promise. As it is written, "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments" (1 John 2:3).

Those who possess these qualities ARE the "children of promise." They are in an enviable position--one that many righteous men before them desired, but did not find. As it is written, "For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it" (Matt 13:17, NIV). "Child of promise," you have every reason to rejoice and be exceeding glad. Lift up your head! The children of promise are blessed indeed! Now, "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed you are disqualified" (2 Cor 13:5).

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name I thank You for providing evidence of my real situation in Christ Jesus.

-- Tomorrow: New Series, DEAD TO THE LAW, Introduction --