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 32 of 37

THE LORD KNOWS THEM THAT ARE HIS

There are two views of salvation. One is essential for confidence and assurance, the other is required for faithfulness and vigilance. Neither are to be taken for granted, nor treated as though they can be embraced impersonally. The first is an eternal view. It is the Divine perspective, and is declared as settled forever. From this perspective, God "chose us in Him [Jesus] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will" (Eph 1:4-5). Indeed, God "has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began" (2 Tim 1:9). There are a number of similar declarations through the New Covenant writings (John 10:16; Acts 13:48; Rom 8:29-30; 2 Thess 2:13-14; 1 Pet 1:2).

These texts are not to be read under the template of human wisdom, or even human responsibility. They are not to painted with the theological brush of free will and human response. Nor, indeed, are men to attempt to fuse them with the Divine demands for obedience, faithfulness, vigilance, etc. These texts throw light upon human responsibility, but are a higher view of things. Men are not to attempt to pull them down in the arena of semantics, debate, and human logic. These are texts for faith. If believed and embraced, they will yield a rich harvest in the one doing so. This brings us to our present consideration: "The Lord knows them that are His."

"But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work" (2 Tim 2:16-21).

There are teachings among professed believers that are nothing more than "worldly and empty chatter" (NASB). They are actually wicked ("profane"), and nothing more than empty sounds and fruitless discussion. But that does not mean they are harmless. They are like cancerous growths among men, eating at the vitals of the soul, and battering the saints mercilessly. The Spirit goes so far as to mention two men who were champions of such idle chatter, Hymenaeus and Philetus. These men strayed away from the truth, going so far as to say "that the resurrection is already past." Their progeny is still among us. Some of them are called "Preterists," some of whom who also teach the resurrection is already past. The effect of this teaching is most alarming. Through this teaching, these man "overthrow the faith of some"–praise God, not all!

What will the righteous do when such teachers arise, hawking their corrupt doctrines, and exercising influence over the sons of men? How can the lowliest believers be sure they will not be victimized by such damnable teachers? Are those in Christ left to the mercy of such purveyors of spiritual vanity? This is a question that has haunted and confused many a believer. Unsure of their own strength, they imagine they are unequal to the challenges of false teachers, and thus live in constant confusion and discouragement.

But God does not leave us with the contemplation of influential chatterers. He fairly shouts from the ramparts of heaven: "NEVERTHELESS THE SOLID FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDS, HAVING THIS SEAL: THE LORD KNOWS THOSE WHO ARE HIS." The word "knows" is NOT an intellectual word, as though the text said the Lord knows about their existence, or is aware they have made a profession of faith. This is intimate knowledge, like Adam "knowing" Eve (Gen 4:1), and Joseph "knowing" Mary after the birth of Jesus (Matt 1:25). It is another way of saying God is involved with them in a most personal way.

This is a "solid foundation," that remains in place, and never wavers. Like God's word, it is "forever settled in heaven." (Psa 119:89). This knowledge does not shift with time or change with circumstance. It reflects a "purpose" that is eternal (Eph 3:11), a covenant that is "everlasting" (Heb 13:20), and an "everlasting love" (Jer 31:3). This is a truth that is higher than systematic theology can reach. It is beyond the domain of human logic. It is too large to fit within the restricted circumference of human thought.

This is a word from another realm. It is not given to us to categorize, or fit into a finely tuned and convenient position. Rather, it is sent to us to assure our hearts that life in Christ makes us equal to the intrusion of false teachers. There is provision in salvation to stand against the wiles of the devil, and it all hangs upon believing! Notice what our text has said, and see to it that you derive comfort from it. Even though influential teachers had arisen who had overthrown the faith of some, "NEVERTHELESS, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his'" (NIV). The "seal" is not altered by this grievous condition, and we need to know it! Faith has to take hold of something that cannot be moved. Here, that is "God's solid foundation."

In view of this solid foundation, and the seal that remains, a word is given to the believer. It is a word for those in the battle. It is one that readily adapts to the temporal realm. It will move the believer to be free from debilitating assumptions, and move out upon faith. "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness" (NIV). Does this contradict the first word? Indeed it does not. The truth of the matter is that God has not provided a list to the sons of men of those "whose names are written in heaven." Men may banter back and forth about the permanency of the listing, or whether or not it is possible to know anything about it, but "the foundation of God stands sure."

Men are not to apply their energies to deciphering whom is known by the Lord. They are rather to get away from wickedness–particularly teachings that move men away from believing instead of constraining them to believe. The idea is that God aligns Himself with those who "turn away from wickedness." From another point of view, this is the manner in which those He knows conduct themselves.

Notice the wording of this text. It greatly assists us in understanding it. Look where the "nevertheless" is placed. There are false teachers who are causing some to depart from the faith, "NEVERTHELESS." The text does NOT read, "The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His, NEVERTHELESS.'" The exhortation to depart from iniquity is not a variant or contradicting thought. It is preceded by "AND." It is an extension of the first thought. It is as though He said, "I will behold you when you leave iniquity, upholding and protecting you." You, child of God, can depart from iniquity in the firm persuasion that nothing will change the foundation or seal of God, not even powerful and persuading prophets from hell.

I understand this does not readily fit into some theological systems. I see that, however, as a distinct advantage, not a handicap. If your heart can take hold of the affirmation, you will be able to obey the exhortation. But both of them must be taken seriously, and received without any reservation or complicating assumptions.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask for grace to believe what you have said about the sure foundation, and get to the doing of what you have said about departing from iniquity.

-- Tomorrow: A BIRD MAY TELL IT --