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 17 of 24
" . . . And this we will do if God permits."
No person can "go on to perfection" if God will not allow it! That is an activity that requires Divine aid. It simply cannot be accomplished by our will alone. The Word of God is too clear on this matter to entertain any doubt about it. "So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy" (Rom 9:16, NASB). There are matters that are, by Divine intent, "hidden" to men, and they cannot be discovered apart from God's involvement. As it is written, "I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes. Yes, Father, for thus it was well-pleasing in Thy sight" (Luke 10:21), NASB).
Let no one question for a single moment whether or not God will allow the humble and contrite spirit to "go on to perfection." God is still "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet 3:9). Those who "press toward the mark" can expect to obtain the prize (Phil 3:14). However, those that who with Divine mercy by lingering in the outer court, are putting God to the test! There comes a time when Esau cannot inherit the blessing, even when he seeks it with repentance and tears (Heb 12:17). There also came a time when many Israelites were denied the right to enter the promised land. God would not allow them to do so because they had hardened their hearts against Him (Heb 3:19).
The point of our text is that stubbornly remaining in spiritual infancy brings a hardness to the heart. An "evil heart of unbelief," which is unquestionably condemned by God, can overtake the individual that is not advancing (Heb 3:12). We are not in a moral vacuum. If we do not deliberately and energetically "grow up into Him in all things" (Eph 4:15), a distance is being formed between us and God. Hearts are growing more hard, the conscience is becoming less tender, and the individual is losing sensitivity. God may not "permit" such sluggardly souls to "go on to perfection." They may "die in their sin" (Ezek 3:20). Jesus may come and find them unexpectedly (Luke 12:40). Those who do not grow flirt with spiritual disaster.
While it is not my intent to provoke unwholesome fear in any one, no un-advancing soul should feel comfortable in its rebellion against God! There is no place in the Kingdom of God for slothfulness! Those who do not aggressively seek to enter heaven's door will not do so! Jesus once said, "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able" (Luke 13:24, NASB). Some day, the door of grace will close, and God will no more allow men to turn from their sin and come to Him. It is on the part of wisdom to move close to Him now, pressing diligently toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus the Lord.
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ I thank and praise You for assuring me it is Your desire that I move forward to perfection. I ask for grace to avoid any tendency backward, so I will never be in the position where You will not permit me to go on to perfection.