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 23 of 24
"And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Heb 6:11-12, NKJV).
What a fitting conclusion for the people of God! Here the writer reveals the mind of God Himself. He wants the people to be noted for their diligence. He knows that slothfulness defeats the individual, robs the soul, and calls down the curse of Almighty God. He knows that properly directed diligence is always rewarded by the Lord.
But he also knows the value of "the full assurance of hope"--of knowing our status, and being persuaded of the reality of Divine commitments. Knowing who you are in Christ, and being fully persuaded that He can keep what you have committed to Him against that day, becomes a strong incentive to faithfulness. Too often faithfulness is preached from Sinai. Salvation, when correctly seen, provokes us to be faithful "until the end."
People speak of role-models. Well here are some good ones: "those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." They will not allow the world to dim their eye and slow their pace. They are more persuaded of glory to come, than of imagined advantages in "this present evil world." Their patience refers to their perseverance, or continuation in the race. They have come "through tribulation," but they have remained in the race!
To inherit the promises--that is the point! These are the appointed means of conforming us to the image of God's Son (2 Pet 1:3-4). The desire of the godly is that their brethren will inherit the promises -- that at last they will stand before the Lord without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing! It is that their brethren will have their part in the throne of Christ, ruling and reigning, world without end. If that does not happen, little else matters! O, how such thoughts are to be articulated!
PRAYER POINT: Father, I want to inherit the promises. I desire to stand before You faultless and with exceeding joy. I know I am not able to do this in my own strength. Yet, I am persuaded You are able to keep me from falling, and cause me to stand faultless before You with exceeding joy. In the name of Jesus, I ask that You do this.