RAISED INTO HEAVENLY REALMS

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:1-7, NKJV)

Devotion 2 of 16

BELIEVERS MUST BE TOLD

    The people of God must be subjected to the proclamation and affirmation of who they are in Jesus, and where they have been brought!  The spirit of law cannot sustain them, nor can it strengthen them. While teaching, commandments, and correction are absolutely essential, they are a means to an end, and not the end itself. The objective is fellowship with the Father and with the Son (1 John 1:3). To put it another way, it is the fellowship of Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Cor 1:9). Other representations include Christ living in us (Gal 2:20), Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith (Eph 3:16-17), partaking of Christ (Heb 3:14), and participating in the Divine nature (2 Pet 1:4). If activities directed toward the people of God do not contribute to the realization of these things, they have served no lasting purpose.

      Here is where the affirmation of our regenerated condition becomes relevant. The understanding of this condition is like a catalyst that leads to Divine fellowship. Further, these are matters that are not apparent to the casual disciple (if there be such a thing). They are to be affirmed. How frequently such affirmations are spoken by Jesus and the Apostles. A few examples will serve to substantiate this.

1. "You ARE the salt of the earth" (Matt 5:13).
2. "You ARE the light of the world" (Matt 5:14).
3. "You ARE the branches" (John 15;5).
4. "You ARE My friends (John" 15:14).
5. "You ARE in Christ Jesus" (1 Cor 1:30).
6. "You ARE God's field" (1 Cor 3:9a).
7. "You ARE God's building" (1 Cor 3:9b).
8. "You ARE the temple of God" (1 Cor 3:16).
9. "You ARE sons" (Gal 4:6).
10. "You ARE light in the Lord" (Eph 5:8).
11. "You ARE sons of the light and sons of the day" (1 Thess 5:5).

      The spirit of institutionalism has too long deprived the people of God from hearing these things. The royal recruiters and motley motivators have diverted our attention from such realities. Sectarian sophists and purveyors of pride have plundered the church of the living God, causing it to feel at home in this world. This is a most tragic circumstance.

    There are at least three approaches to this dilemma. First, an attempt can be made to reform the institution. Very few have ever been successful in their attempts of reform--particularly of an institution. Second, an effort can be made to convert the preachers and teachers. Although it has a sound of nobility, no such effort is ever mentioned in the Word of God.  Third, those who know the truth can shout louder than all the others. I suggest the latter is the God-ordained way. The proclamation of the truth of the Gospel is the revealed remedy for sin and all it has caused. It is God's power to accomplish salvation (Rom 1:16). The Scriptures do not say "Reform the church," but "Preach the Word." In the powerful proclamation of the Gospel, any reform that is possible will be accomplished. Any recovery that can be achieved will be set in motion.

      In every Epistle, the proclamation of the state of those in Christ is solidly announced and expounded. The Gospel itself is also the basis for all appeals and reasonings. Hardly ever is an Epistle started without acknowledging who the people of God are (Rom 1:7; 1 Cor 1:2; 2 Cor 1:1-4; Gal 1:2-4; Eph 1:1-3; Phil 1:1-2; Col 1:2; 1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:1; 1 Tim 1:1-2; 2 Tim 1:1;-2; Tit 1:1-4; Phile 1:1-2; Jude 1). This was not mere politeness or congeniality, but reflected the very nature of God-ordained communication with the saints of God.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for a salvation so great that the declarations of its accomplishments continue to challenge the minds and hearts of those who have received it.

-- Tomorrow: THE FIRST AND FOREMOST ACTIVITY --