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 21 of 24
The Spirit has pointed out how illogical it is to expect blessing while living at a distance from God. He has shown that such a posture violates the nature of God, as well as that of salvation itself.
The danger in which the Hebrews found themselves was most serious. They were reverting to a system of Law, which permitted hard hearts and a distance from God -- at least, that is what men think. Now a strong appeal is made to the slumbering spirits of men. Although they have been in a backward stance, the Lord is going to reach into the depths of their spirit and seek to awaken the sensitivity they once possessed.
"But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak" (NASB). How glorious to have such "confidence." One spark of sensitivity can awaken a zealous return to the Lord! How we must capitalize upon the hearts of God's people, even when they are in a state of withdrawal! It was necessary to speak forthrightly and sternly, but He will not end on such a note.
The writer knows that no thinking person wants to be rejected by God! He knows salvation comes with an inexhaustible supply of grace, and "all things pertaining to life and godliness." These are "things that accompany salvation." God can "strengthen us with might by is Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith" (Col 3:16). There is "grace to help, in the time of need" (Heb 4:16). It is still true, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). These are all "things that accompany salvation." There is no reason why these cannot be found in every believer!
What a blessed attitude to have--to be "persuaded of better things" in those who have been drawing back! How frequently this spirit is expressed in God's Word. We do well to appropriate it for ourselves. "And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command" (2 Thess 3:4). " . . . having confidence in you all, that my joy would be the joy of you all" (2 Cor 2:3). "I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you" (2 Cor 7:16). "I have confidence in you in the Lord, that you will adopt no other view . . . " (Gal 5:10). "Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say" (Phile 21). The power of such expressions can be sensed by all who hear them.
PRAYER POINT; Father, as I labor to restore wandering sheep to the fold, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace to be convinced of better things from them.