WE ARE NOT IN HEAVEN YET

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-13)

Devotion 2 of 37

THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE, #1

Spiritual life is complex in its environment, though uncomplicated in its design. It cannot be lived without faith, nor can be lived in vain with faith. All of heaven is involved in this great salvation, and were it not for that circumstance, there would be no salvation at all. The worlds were created and are sustained by a Divine word (Heb 11:3; 1:3). Angels did not help to create the world. Yet, when it comes to the "new creation," in which God makes "everything new" (Rev 21:5), it is not accomplished by Divine fiat.

God Himself works in salvation, both to will and to do of His own goods pleasure (Phil 2:13). He draws men to Jesus (John 6:44), puts them into Jesus (1 Cor 1:30), and gives them to Jesus (John 6:37). He causes believers to triumph (2 Cor 2:14), and is working all things together for their ultimate good (Rom 8:28). Our prayers are directed to Him through Jesus (Eph 2:18), as well as our worship (Phil 3:3) and service (Rom 12:1-2).

The Son has accomplished great things. He has reconciled the world to God (2 Cor 5:18-10), put away sin (Heb 9:26), destroyed the devil (Heb 2:14), plundered principalities and powers (Col 2:15), made peace through the blood of His cross (Col 1:20), and blotted out the handwriting or ordinances that were against us (Col 2:14). He is still intensely active, ruling the world in the interest of "bringing many sons to glory" (Heb 2:10). He has been given "power over all flesh, that He may give eternal life" to those God has given to Him (John 17:2). He is mediating the New Covenant, bringing its remarkable benefits to those who receive Him (Heb 9:15; 12:24). In order to secure our salvation, He ever lives to make intercession for us (Heb 7:25).

The Holy Spirit is aggressive in the execution of His salvational role. He is convincing the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11). He strengthens believers with Divine power in the inner man, in order that Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith (Eph 3:16-17). He enables them to abound in hope (Rom 15:13), and brings to them righteousness, peace, and joy (Rom 14:17). The godly effects wrought in believers are nothing less that the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal 5:22-23). When the infirmity of ignorance grips the saints, and they do not know what to pray for as they ought, the blessed Holy Spirit makes intercession for them in groans that are not utterable by men (Rom 8:26).

The holy angels, vast in number, are also employed in the salvation of men. They are "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Heb 1:14). They camp round about those who fear the Lord, to deliver them (Psa 34:7).

How is it that anyone would think of salvation in a simplistic way after knowing this? Rest assured, all of this activity is not extra circular. We live in a spiritual domain that is teeming with activity. For those who believe, all of heaven is working, so to speak, for them.

This whole matter is further complicated (I speak as a man) by the presence of an adversary. It is not merely an adversary, but OUR adversary, who walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet 5:8). There is also a host of wicked spirits who are working with him. There are principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places"--and we are wrestling, or grappling, with them (Eph 6:12). There is a demonic order with which we also contend. Although some flinch at the notion of contending with demons, we are told they are active even in the area of "doctrines," which end up being perpetrated by men (1 Tim 4:1). They still offer to believers a "cup" that competes with the Lord's table (1 Cor 10:21).

As if these opponents were not enough, those in Christ Jesus also have to contend with "the flesh" – the Adamic part of us. This is the part that remains unregenerate, yet contends for dominancy in our lives. It is the "old man," which though weakened and even crucified, must be "put off" (Eph 4:22-24). Nothing good dwells in this part of us (Rom 7:18), and it profits "nothing" (John 6:63). If men imagine the flesh to be docile and easily controlled, believers are solemnly warned, "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live" (Rom 8:12-14).

To wrap our minds around these arresting considerations, and then turn to simplistic explanations of being safe without effort, and such like, betrays a level of unbelief that is altogether intolerable. If you imagine your salvation REQUIRES the effort of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and the holy angels, yet none of your own diligence, you have been deceived. If you think the devil, his angels, his principalities, and the rest of his wicked arsenal can remain aggressive against you, and yet you have no need to resist them, you have been lulled into sleep.

This series of devotions will confirm that salvation provides for the type of situation I have described. It comes with all of the power necessary to repel the powers of darkness, and engage the powers of light. No person who is running the race will fail to win. No person who is believing will be ashamed. However, the moment one imagines there is no jeopardy or danger, or that he is sufficient of himself, or that grace somehow continues to come where it yields no fruit, is asleep. Unless that dulness is arrested, he may fall into "the sleep of death" (Psa 13:3).

PRAYER POINT: Father, grant me faith and power to see things as they are, and not be intimidated by them.

– Tomorrow: OVERTAKING BLESSINGS --

PRAYER POINT: Father,

-- Tomorrow: