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 11 of 24
" . . . not laying again the foundation of . . . faith toward God . . . "
This is the faith described in Hebrews 11:6. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." This has to do with our approach approach to God. It is not nearness of faith that characterizes the more mature in Christ, whose conscience has been cleansed, or made perfect. That more mature faith is mentioned in Hebrews 10:22. "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." This faith is based upon the principle of faith toward God. However, it belongs more to the structure than to the foundation.
Again, the initial view of faith toward God is seen in the conversion of the Gentiles. Through the preaching of the Gospel, they were moved from devotion to idols and brought to have "faith toward God." When their conversion was reported to the early church, the people related it to having faith. "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27).
Elsewhere, the Word of God addresses faith from this fundamental view. "Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness" (Rom 4:4-5, NASB). Through faith we enter into a vital and saving relation with the living God. This initial faith that justifies is related to believing on God. "And therefore it was imputed to him [Abraham] for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead" (Rom 4:22-24). This is the foundational faith to which our text refers.
"Faith toward God" is the means of approaching Him. If I only speak of the means, and never get to the business of coming to God, living in Him, and walking with Him, nothing of lasting value has been accomplished. Moving on from this principle has to do with Divine fellowship, involvement in His eternal purpose, and reigning with Christ. It has to do with having fellowship "with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3). It is "the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord," into which we are called (1 Cor 1:9). It is the blessedness of "the communion of the Holy Spirit" (2 Cor 13:14). It is having "boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus" (Heb 10:19).
The people of God are to advance beyond discussing the obligation of approaching to God. They are also to move past that initial approach when we were convinced of the reality of God -- that "He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." We are to move toward the center of the Kingdom where coming to the Lord is not the point, but what happens when we get there.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, grant me grace to build upon the persuasion that You exist and are a Rewarder of those who seek You. Help me to press into the holiest place to see Your glory, partake of the Divine nature, and obtain Your reward.