LEAVING THE FIRST PRINCIPLES -- Tomorrow:
"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits." (Hebrews 6:1-4, NKJV).
Devotion 6 of 24
" . . . the spirits of just men made perfect . . . " (Heb 12:23)
Also, the attitude of the runner is vital. He must run to win -- to obtain the prize, not simply for the sake of running alone. Again it is written, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain" (1 Cor 9:24).
This race requires the subordination of all inferior appetites and longings. The runner must not be distracted by the desire for things that have nothing to do with the race. Therefore it is written, "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible" (1 Cor 9:25).
In this race, doubt is devastating. To be unsure of the outcome of this race, or of its legitimacy, makes it nearly impossible to run. For this reason it is written, "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Cor 9:26-27).
It is possible to attempt to run this race depending upon personal abilities -- like being swift. It is also possible to run without a driving compulsion -- like not running to get the prize. It is also possible to run this race hindered by weights and sin that so easily besets us (Heb 12:1) -- like not being temperate in all things, or consistently subordinating our bodies. Finally, one can attempt to run this race in a state of uncertainty, without any confidence whatsoever about the outcome of it all. But make no mistake about this, these attitudes make it highly unlikely that we will finish the race and obtain the prize.
Those who have successfully completed the race set before them are called "the spirits of just men made PERFECT" (Heb 12:23). They have completed their tenure in this present evil world, and are now "absent from the body and present with the Lord" (2 Cor 5:8).
Most of the time the word "spirits" is used in Scripture, it refers to the dark world, and not the persons of the redeemed. In the writings of Moses and the Prophets we read of "familiar spirits" (Lev 19:31; Deut 18:11; 2 Kings 21;6). Holy angels are called "spirits" (Psa 104:4; Heb 1:14). There are "unclean spirits" (Mark 3:11; 6:7), "evil spirits" (Luke 7:21; Acts 19:12), and "seducing spirits" (1 Tim 4:1).
However, occasionally, men are referred to as "spirits." God is called "the God of the spirits of all flesh" (Num 16:22), and "the Father of spirits" (Heb 12:9). But in the text we are considering (Heb 12:23), the Spirit refers to the "spirits of just men," thus separating them from those who are not reconciled to God. Some versions read "the spirits of righteous men" (NASB, NIV). Yet another distinction is given to these "spirits." They are "made perfect."
Some believe this refers to all who are in Christ, whether present in or absent from the body. But this is not the case. As long as believers are "in the body," they are not perfect in the sense of Hebrews 12:23. No matter how far they have advanced in the Lord, they must confess with Paul, "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" (Phil 3:12-14).
The "spirits of just men made perfect" are those who are "absent from the body," for as long as we are in the body, we cannot be fully perfect. The body is a "vile body," and thus hinders the fulness of perfection. I understand there is a sense in which we are "perfect" by faith (2 Cor 13:11; Phil 3:15), but that is not the sense of this text. This speaks of those who have completed their race -- such as have "fought a good fight," "finished" their course, and "kept" the faith (2 Tim 4:7).
Perfection is the manner of the kingdom of God! The Administrator of the Kingdom was made "perfect" for His ministry! Being made perfect, He now authors salvation in those committed to Him. He does this through a covenant that makes men "perfect," and He does it in a "perfect" realm. Those who avail themselves of His great salvation will begin their perfection here, and realize its consummation when they are divested of the frail tent of the body.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I have a longing for the perfection to which You have called me. Through Jesus Christ and by Your grace, I will reach forward for the prize that is beyond the finish line.