SEEKING BETTER THINGS

"By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. . . . But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." (Hebrews 7:22; 8:6)

Devotion 19 of 26

THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION

Believers do not necessarily live in a manner befitting of the New Covenant. They are not locked into holy behavior. it is possible for their walk to be at variance with the truth. This circumstance, however, is not owing to any deficiency in the covenant, or in the salvation that is "in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Tim 2:10).

One of the most sobering warnings of Scripture is found in the sixth chapter of Hebrews. In some circles, it is not fashionable to speak of this text, but it is always in order to speak and hear what the Spirit says to the churches. And, this text is addressed to believers. First, we are admonished to grow up--to "go on unto perfection" (6:1). We are not to linger on the foundations, or basic elements, of the faith, but build upon them. Solemnly the reply is given, "And this will we do, if God permit" (6:3). That is, it is possible that some have passed beyond the perimeter of recovery. That this is the meaning is confirmed by the verses that follow.

"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame" (6:4-6). Those who affirm that such a condition is not possible are in contradiction of the Spirit of God. It is better to believe and embrace the text than to object if it contradicts ones theological distance. Faith will acknowledge the validity of these words, assisting the individual in avoiding the described state.

After solemnly warning lethargic disciples of the eternal jeopardy they were facing, the Spirit spoke of the advantages they had. "But, beloved, we are persuaded BETTER THINGS of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak" (Heb 6:9). It is "better" to grow in grace than to revert back to the world. It is "better" to believe to the saving of your soul than draw back to perdition. It is better to go on to perfection than to "fall away."

Salvation has accompaniments that give its recipients the advantage! There is access to the throne of all grace (Heb 4:16), and the privilege of obtaining the forgiveness of sins (1 John 1:9). We can be "filled with all joy and peace in believing" (Rom 15:13), and be "strengthened with all might by His Spirit in the inner man" (Eph 3:16). "All things pertaining to life and godliness" have been given to us (2 Pet 1:3). The "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal 5:22-23) is for every child of God, as well as the multiplication of "grace and peace" (2 Pet 1:2). These, and a multitude of other advantages, are "things that accompany salvation." They enable us to maintain spiritual stability, recover from set backs, and grow up into Christ in all things. In Christ Jesus, we live in a realm of "better things!"

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You in Jesus' name for providing such wonderful accompaniments to salvation. Grant me grace to use these benefits to go on to perfection, and to become more mature in the faith.

-- Tomorrow: THE BEST GIFTS --