THE ERA OF "ALL THINGS"

The "day of salvation" is, what I call, the era of all things–a time of unprecedented spiritual abundance. However, when the professed church chooses to focus on the purported "needs" of humanity, by that very emphasis, they forfeit the "riches" of God's "goodness," "wisdom and knowledge," "glory," and "grace" (Rom 2:4; Rom 11:33; Eph 1:7; 2:7; 3:16). Actually, in Scripture the word "needs" is only applied to "saints," and regards their temporal necessities (Rom 12:13; 2 Cor 9:12). The Spirit employs a higher and more extensive expression in relation to what we require–"NEED" (singular). "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). While some of the more modern translations use the word "needs," the term is actually in the singular: i.e., "need." Because there is a single Resource from which all benefits come, and because our fundamental necessity is to draw from that resource, "one thing is needful" (Luke 10:42). Until this basic fact is perceived and received, men will not receive the "all things" God has supplied in Jesus Christ.

The many affirmations of Scripture regarding the availability of "all things" is impressive. All of them presume we have seen that our need, and answer to it, are single. The challenging question is hurled from heaven: "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Rom 8:32). In this statement we see the reasonableness of the provision. If God delivered up His Son for us when we were enemies, what will He do now that we are reconciled? Indeed, it is true, "all things" belong to those in Christ Jesus! The extent of the statement is marvelous: "For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come; all are yours" (1 Cor 3:21-22). Even though grievous human experiences come upon us, yet we are described as "possessing all things" (2 Cor 6:10).

Take, for example, the matter of revelation–of God making known to us His gracious intentions. We are not limited to our own resources in the procurement of these things. Because of their vastness, it is written, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God" (1 Cor 2:9-10). Not only, therefore, has the Lord provided "all things" for His people, He has also provided the means through which they may be known–the Holy Spirit. It is no wonder those who become "a new creation" in Jesus experience "all things" becoming "new" (2 Cor 5:17)-, i.e., the "all things" that are "of God" (2 Cor 5:18).

In this world, we are told God "gives us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Tim 6:17). The idea here is that Divine provision extends beyond our immediate, or worldly, necessities. There is MORE to be possessed in Christ than earthly circumstance appears to indicate. That is one of the primary reasons we cannot allow the self-perceived needs of people to drive our ministry, or dictate how we do the work of the Lord. The nature and provision of salvation itself must be the impetus behind everything we do in the name of the Lord.

In view of these things, think of the possibilities of understanding that are procurable in Christ Jesus. To young Timothy Paul said, "may the Lord give you understanding in all things" (2 Tim 2:7). Speaking of the same glorious process, John wrote, "But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things" (1 John 2:20). Salvation does not leave us deficient in any area of required knowledge or understanding! The "unction," or "anointing" conferred upon us in Christ Jesus anointing "teaches you concerning all things," thereby enabling us to "abide in Him" (1 John 2:27).

When it comes to spiritual resources– supplies needed to negotiate this world and arrive in glory–everything has been supplied. "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Pet 1:3). When we are forced to ponder, "Who is sufficient for these things?" , let faith deliver the reply: "our sufficiency is from God" (2 Cor 13:5). In living for the Lord and being godlike, there is nothing that has not been supplied–nothing at all! Everything required to be well pleasing to God, resist the devil, and land safely on that heavenly shore, has been given to us in Christ!

Now, take hold of those resources by faith, fight a good fight, finish your course!

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You through Jesus Christ four the abunbdant sufficiency realized in Him.

--Monday: A RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM GOD, #2 --