RAISED INTO HEAVENLY REALMS -- Tomorrow:
Devotion 3 of 16
The first and foremost activity in this world is the building up of the body of Christ. Immediately, that statement will jar upon the ears of many who have been taught that the winning of souls is the preeminent work. Let no one doubt the necessity and heavenly value of reaping souls for Christ. Jesus charged His disciples to "preach the Gospel to every creature," and "make disciples of all nations" (Mk 16:15; Matt 28:19). "Repentance and remission of sins "is to be preached in His name among all nations" (Lk 24:47). Jesus affirmed, "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance" (Lk 15:7). That does not mean heaven was more joyful when Paul the sinner repented than when Jesus the Just One entered His ministry! Christ's point is that there is no such thing as "just persons which need no repentance," although the murmuring Pharisees and scribes thought themselves to be such (Lk 15:2). They were the ones to whom this word was given. It is ever true, "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth" (Lk 15:10).
However, I am speaking of the foremost activity -- the matter upon which the heavenly emphasis is placed. I am speaking about the good work toward which Divine resources are focused, and in which incessant activity is found among heavenly personalities. The Word of God does not leave us guessing about this matter.
Every spiritual gift was given for the purpose of "perfecting the saints," and "edifying the body of Christ" (Eph 4:11-16; 1 Cor 12:7). The Scriptures themselves are given for this intent, "that the man of God may be perfect . . . " (2 Tim 3:16-17). This is the thrust of the Holy Spirit's intercession, which is exclusively "for the saints" (Rom 8:26,27). It is also the undivided focus of Christ's intercession (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25). The most precise expression of Christ's love relates to the church: "Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it" (Eph 5:25). He "nourishes and cares" for it alone (Eph 5:29).
Only the church has unreserved access to God, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need (Rom 5:2; Eph 2:18; 3:12; Heb 4:15-16). Jesus is the High Priest for the church (Heb 3:1; 6:20). Only the church is "the body of Christ" (1 Cor 12:23), the "people of God" (Heb 4:9), "heirs of God," and "joint heirs with Christ" (Rom 8:17). They alone are being saved "by His life" (Rom 5:10). They alone will "meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thess 4:17).
"The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry" (Psa 34:15). The great power of God is "toward" them (Eph 1:19), and they alone are "His inheritance" (Eph 1:18). The Father walks and dwells in these people (2 Cor 6;16). The Lord Jesus dwells in their hearts by faith (Eph 3:16-17). The Father and the Son have taken up their abode in them (John 14:23). The Holy Spirit has been sent into their hearts because they are the sons of God (Gal 4:6). All Apostolic writings are addressed to them. The history of the Jews was written for them (Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 10:11). The glorified Christ sent a message "to the churches" (Rev 1:4,11). These things are so evident, they only need to be affirmed to be seen. These are the people Jesus shepherds (John 10;14). They are the ones the Spirit leads (Rom 8:14). The Father in heaven directs their paths (Prov 3:5-6).
This by no means deprecates preaching the Gospel "to every creature" (Mk 16:16) or making"disciples of all nations" (Matt 28:19). But when it comes to the EMPHASIS–the thrust of heavenly activity--it is toward the church! Every spiritual gift is "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph 4:11-12). The holy angels minister exclusively to the "heirs of salvation" (Heb 1:13-14). The "inheritance" is "reserved" for them in heaven, and they alone are "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Pet 1:5). These are "the people of God" (1 Pet 2:10), "the children of God" (Gal 3:26), "the sons of God" (1 John 3:1-2), and "the beloved of God" (Rom 1:7).
Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matt 6:10). If all of heaven, including the Father, the Son, the Spirit, and the holy angels, is focused upon the saints of God, where ought our thrust to be found? If Jesus is "bringing many souls to glory" (Heb 2:10), our work had better be in accord with revealed work.
If some are disposed to think such an emphasis will leave the world with "fat saints" that are of no value, and bring no glory to God, let them think again. Where in all of Scripture is there the slightest hint that well fed, nourished, and insightful saints will be slothful, indolent, or unprofitable to the Lord. Quite the opposite is true. Malnourished saints are the liability. Unlearned and ignorant Christians are the blotch upon the name of the Lord. The truth of God makes us free, not lazy (John 8:32). When we are built up in the most holy faith (Jude 20), walk in the light (1 John 1:7), and have fellowship with Christ (1 Cor 1:9), it simply is not possible to be unpleasing to the Lord. Such people cannot ignore the lost, shut their mouths, or cease to shine as lights in a wicked generation.
Thus, I am going to declare what the Lord has done in those who are in the Son. I will affirm where we have been placed, and the One with Whom we are now identified. I will announce we have been elevated to a place Satan cannot enter, where an abundance of grace is realized and enjoyed.
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I thank You for revealing how much has been given to the saints, and how heavenly resources are focused toward them.