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 10 of 24
" . . . the foundation of repentance from dead works . . . "
Participation with Christ begins with a renunciation of the way of the flesh-- "repentance from dead works." "Dead works" is a word for sin-- expressions that proceed from a state of spiritual death. Sin is more than doing something that is wrong, although it is that. Sin is the eruption of defiled desires that reveal one is dead toward God. It is what results from being drawn away from man's intended aim by lusts. James said, "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death" (James 1:14-15). After all the explanations for transgression have been offered, that is the real reason for sin, moral failures, or iniquity.
Apart from Christ, men are "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph 2:1). Scripture apprises us that even "the thought of foolishness" and "the plowing of the wicked" is "sin" (Prov 24:9; 21:4). "Dead works" are the expressions of death in trespasses and sins. They are works that are linked to death, not life. Before a person can live for God, there must be "repentance from dead works." That involves renouncing them and turning from them.
Repentance from dead works involves at least three things. First, a withdrawal from a fruitless manner of life--a life characterized by death. Second, a determinate renunciation of manners that will not blend with eternity. Thirdly, the recovery of ground lost when alienated from God "in our minds through wicked works" (Col 1:21).
By its very nature, this foundation is not to be continually laid. The Scriptures do not represent spiritual life as climbing out of one mud hole after another -- although that is the way some professed Christians live. Genuine repentance closes the door to the old life. It is not done casually, and it does not yield unstable results. Recovery is good, but it is not intended to be a repetitive activity. When our lives are unplugged from sin, they are to be plugged into righteousness (Rom 6:16-19). When that commitment to righteousness does not take place, the foundation of repentance from dead works will need to be put in place again. The jeopardy of this situation is that there will come a time when the heart will become too calloused to repent. As Esau, such a person will eventually "find no place for repentance" (Heb 12:17).
This is a "first principle" upon which initial spiritual life is built. Like other aspects of "first principles," this is not intended to be a life-long emphasis. It is introductory in nature. In "repentance from dead works," we cut the umbilical cord to the world. We repudiate our former manner of life, in which we were alienated from God. We also cease our dependence upon our own deeds to appropriate the favor of Almighty God. While such activity will be found throughout our pilgrimage, as we grow, it is no longer the primary activity.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank you for granting me repentance and enabling me to turn toward You. In the name of Jesus, I seek to build a life upon that foundation that will bring pleasure to You. I am asking for grace to do that.