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 26 of 26

CONCLUSION

All believers have reason to be optimistic and cheerful in their progress to glory. They have been given "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Pet 1:3). These are "better things," not grievous to the soul or bitter to the taste. In this world, there are things that are good for us, but that are unpleasant. When I was a child, caster oil and cod-liver oil were basics in the maintenance of health. I was always told they were good for me -- and, indeed, they were. However, I could never acquire a taste for them, or find delight in taking them.

But this is NOT the case with the good things of God. In Christ we acquire a new heart and a new spirit. These find great delight in the "better things" that have been given to the children of God. Those who are born again find "His commandments are not grievous" (1 John 5:3). They realize the fulfillment of the gracious invitation, "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him" (Psa 34:8).

Everything we have received in Christ is "better"--better by nature, and better in experience. All things pertaining to life and godliness are conducive to the development of holiness and the shunning of ungodliness. They make for joy and peace, and bring confidence and assurance to the heart. Nothing about them dulls the conscience, anesthetizes the heart, or encourages sin. Wherever there is a delight in sin, the person has been drinking from the wrong well!

Nothing that is required to make it from earth to glory has been withheld from us. All protection against the advances of the devil has been provided (Eph 6:10-18). Whatever is needed to serve the Lord acceptably is given to us in Christ Jesus. Even if we sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, and the promise of forgiveness if we will confess our sin (1 John 1:7; 2:1).

The provision of these "better things" is not a mere technical point. They can all be experienced--appropriated by faith. Every person in Christ Jesus has access to these "better things." They can possess and enjoy as many of these "things" as their faith allows-- and there is no limit. This is the declaration of Romans 5:1-2. "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." The expression "this grace" encompasses all of the "better things" we have in Christ Jesus. They are all accessible, and that in abundance!

Now, be up and appropriating what God has given, and what your faith can obtain. These "better things" will enable you to run the race set before you with patient endurance, and obtain the prize. They will also bring joy, peace, and satisfaction to you along the way.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus Christ for the abundance and accessibility of the "better things" that accompany salvation.

-- Tomorrow, New Series: WE ARE NOT IN HEAVEN YET --