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 20 of 24

THE NECESSITY AND LOGIC OF PERSEVERANCE

Character--godly character--cannot be developed apart from perseverance. That is another way of saying our faith must be tested, or it will not remain genuine. If we cannot stand the test of opposition in this world, we will not be able to reign in the next one! Character, however, has more to do with orientation to the next world than survival in this one. True character--godly character--is maintaining a grasp of spiritual realities. That grasp is kept even when it appears to be to our hurt and disadvantage to do so.

Proof We Are Christ's Disciples

Here, in perseverance, is where we confirm we are really Christ's disciples. "Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine'" (John 8:31, NASB). Does Christ have true disciples that do not abide in His word--that do not maintain their hold on the truth of God? Certainly not!

No inconsistent disciple (if there is such a thing) can assume they belong to Christ. They greatly err that vacillate, yet insist on being identified as followers of Jesus!

Abide in Christ's Love

Our Savior maintains a certain attitude toward those who persevere. Satan has engaged in a determined effort to obscure this certainty. There is much talk these days about God's "unconditional love." This term is not found in Scripture, nor, indeed, is the concept. In due respect for those who have chosen to employ this unscriptural nomenclature, their attempt is to accentuate the applicability of salvation to every individual. No matter how far they have descended into the morass of sin, if they will turn to the Lord, His love will bring them out. That is certainly the truth, and we will allow no man to take it from us. Christ's love, however, is NOT unconditional.

Hear the Savior speak. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him" (John 14:21). "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him" (John 14:23). "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love" (John 15:9, NASB).

Christ's focused love is conditioned upon the continuance of the disciple in that love. Christ does not pledge His love to those who do not have His commandments, or fail to maintain their hold upon them! God Himself has made no committals to love the person who fails to keep the word of His Son. The promise is made to those who remain in His love! Perseverance is not an option. That certainly is plain enough!

PRAYER POINT: Father,

-- Tomorrow: GODLY MEN URGE CONTINUANCE IN THE FAITH --