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 22 of 24

ETERNAL LIFE DEPENDS UPON PERSEVERANCE

While effort is not the basis for justification, it is involved in obtaining the crown of life. It is true that we are what we are by the grace of God. It is also true that the grace of God effectively teaches us to deny ungodliness and embrace godliness (Tit 2:11-12). Here is the declaration of the Spirit. "Who will render to every man according to his deeds, to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life" (Romans 2:6-7, NASB). How do men seek for glory, honor, and immortality? Is it by study? Perhaps this is achieved by embracing a proper position, or managing to avoid involvement in immorality. The Spirit states it simply. It is by perseverance in doing good.

No individual--absolutely no one--that fails to continue in the "good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Rom 12:2) is seeking for glory, honor, and immortality! It makes no difference what that person professes. Those who are not constrained to "continuance in doing good," or perseverance, have turned their eyes from the prize!

It is no marvel that exhortations to spiritual consistency are so strong. They are all written with the ink of urgency. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58). "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13). "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith" (1 Pet 5:8-8).

Perseverance is seen in Jacob refusing to let the heavenly messenger go until he received a blessing (Gen 32:26). It is Joshua and Caleb refusing to forget the promised land, though remaining in the wilderness for forty long years (Num 14:6-9; Num 26:65). Perseverance is refusing to be called Pharaoh's daughter in preference of the sufferings of Christ (Heb 11:24-26). It is being in the spirit on the Lord's day, though exiled on lonely Patmos (Rev 1:10). It is getting up and going on with the work of the Lord after you have been stoned, dragged outside the city, and left for dead (Acts 14:19-20).

In Christ Jesus, finishing the race is all important. It is of no value whatsoever to begin if you do not finish. There is no purpose for coming out of Egypt unless you get into Canaan.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus Christ I confess that I want to honor You by finishing the race You have set before me.

-- Tomorrow: JESUS DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE --