PERSEVERANCE WORKS EXPERIENCE

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope (Rom 5:1-4, KJV). " . . . and perseverance, proven character . . . " (NASB). " . . . perseverance, character . . . " (NIV). "And steadfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope" (ASV).

Devotion 19 of 24

THE NEW COVENANT--RELATED TO OUR SUBJECT

The New Covenant is precisely that--a "NEW covenant." It is not new from the standpoint of time (being an "everlasting covenant"--Heb 13:20), but from the standpoint of type. It is a "better covenant," based upon "better promises," and yielding better results. Commenting on the Old and New covenants, the Spirit provides us with a poignant comparison. "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God" (Heb 7:19).

This is NOT unrelated to our subject! Perseverance, in our case, is the fruit of justification. It impacts upon our character because we are a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). If we were not "born again," and made acceptable within a better covenant, difficulty would quickly dissipate our strength, much as it did the Israelites of old.

The "newness of life" into which we have been raised (Rom 6:4) provides a spiritual environment in which true character can be developed. Apart from that "newness," character is unchangeable. As it is written, "Can Ethiopians change their skin or leopards their spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil" (Jer 13:23). If, indeed, those who are accustomed to do evil can start to do good without God, then there is no point to this challenge. If you are really intent upon thinking that way, fulfill this commandment: "Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit" (Ezek 18:31).

Men argue about whether or not men can actually change their character or condition, as though it could be accomplished by an act of the will. Well, there have been holy men of old time that wanted what we possess in Christ, yet did not attain to it. Jesus said, "That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them" (Matt 13:17). Holy Prophets, we are told, made a diligent search to discover Who the Messiah was, and when He would appear. "To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven; things which angels desire to look into" (1 Pet 1:10-12). You who boast of your superior minds, and imagine that there is any element of freedom outside of Christ, what will you say when you confront those prophets and righteous men, who were a negation of your whole theology.

Someone might object to this line of reasoning, pointing to great men of faith like Noah, Abraham, and David. They endured without being "born again," a blessing reserved for those in Christ Jesus. These men, however, were ahead of their time. They were not representative of the masses of men prior to the day of salvation, or of the natural capabilities of mankind. Their faith was their distinction. They did not demonstrate a moral power inherent in humanity. Rather, they confirmed the power of God by relying upon Him in strong faith. It was their faith that made them different.

These men were the exception prior to, and under, the Old Covenant. Perseverance, however, is the standard of the New Covenant--it is the norm! It is ONLY those who endure "to the end" that will be saved (Mark 13:13).

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus, I thank You for the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and for the persuasion that we have sinned, that none is righteous but Jesus, and that the devil we once served has already been judged.

-- Tomorrow: WE HUMANS CAN USE SOME HELP --