GOD'S EVERLASTING LOVE From the human point of view, the situation of the believer is fragile, and the prospect of making it safely to glory impossible. The race is too long for our natural abilities. The battle is too strenuous to be fought in the energy of the flesh. Our adversary is too cunning and fierce to be overcome by mere human ingenuity and strength. Those who feel as though Adam has given them enough resources to make it safely from time to eternity and the world to glory have simply not understood all that is involved. Trained and disciplined minds are good, but they are not enough. Zeal, resolution, and determination are excellent qualities, but they are not sufficient for what is required in order to at last stand faultless before the throne of Almighty God. Something more is needed. Tomorrow:
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: 'For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.' Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39, NKJV)
Being saved is like a camel going through the eye of a needle – a REAL camel going through the eye of a REAL needle (Matt 19:24-26). It is like being knocked down seven times, yet rising with renewed energy and completing the race (Prov 24:16). Being saved is like being raised from the dead, then mounting up with wings like an eagle, and flying over the opposing forces (Eph 2:1-3; Isa 40:31). It is like walking through the Red sea on dry ground (1 Cor 10:1-4) sucking honey out of a rock (Deut 32:13), and enduring because you see Him who is invisible (Heb 11:27). Is there anyone who believes "the natural man" (1 Cor 2:14) is adequate for something like that?
Being saved requires unwavering faith, constant vigilance, sound mindedness, and perseverance. Virtue is required, as well as knowing God, self control, godliness, brotherly kindness, walking in the light, and fellowship with Christ Jesus (1 Pet 1:5-8; 1 John 1:7; 1 Cor 1:9). There must be growth and continual change from one stage of glory to another (2 Cor 3:18). The whole armor of God must be put on if one is to stand against the wiles of the devil (Eph 6:10-18). The course upon which we are set, and the race that we are running, must be finished. We must continue to run whether it is uphill, in the coldness of the valley, or the sparse air of the high mountains. No man will see the Lord without holiness (Heb 12:14). No one who walks after the flesh will inherit the kingdom of God (Gal 5:29-21).
Then there is the matter of seeking the things that are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God, and setting our affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Col 3:1-2). We are not to love the world, neither the things that are in the world (1 John 2:15-17). Neither, indeed, are we to become weary in well doing, knowing God is not mocked: we will reap precisely what we sow (Gal 6:7-9).
No one with a spiritual mind doubts the necessity of these things. They are not mere goals toward which we limp and creep in the energy of the flesh. Like it or not, our salvation is associated with all of these things – and more. The question, then, is not IF these things can be done, but HOW they will be done! Salvation brings much to us. That is why much is expected from us. The sooner we acknowledge this reality, the sooner we will begin to experience very gratifying results.
This series of devotions will affirm that God's everlasting love supplies what we need, and sustains us in all of our efforts. They will announce that everything God asks of us is, in fact, doable because of this circumstance. I will also state that no adversarial person or circumstance is capable of circumventing what is done in the strength of the Lord – that nothing that is against us can sever us from the love of God. However, none of this means anything if we do not take seriously what God requires of us.
This is precisely why the Spirit will open to us the real condition of those who are in Christ Jesus. Although they are surrounded by opponents that are vastly superior to their natural abilities, yet they are safe and protected in the Lord. However, only faith can perceive this circumstance. Therefore, powerful affirmations of the protective aspect of salvation will now be declared. Many of our readers hear very little these days about Divine protection, security, safety, or the likes. It is a grievous sin to withhold promises relating to these matters from the people of God. They need to hear what God is committed to do. They also need to hear what the devil and his wicked hordes are NOT able to do.
I understand that endless wrangling take places among God's people over these things. Frequently we hear of the impossibility of falling away, or how God will see to it that you will recover from your sin. Others affirm that God loves you "no matter what you do,' and will never forsake you, even if you forsake Him. That is how such people approach the matter of safety, protection, or security. But this is NOT how God approaches the matter. There is not so much as a single syllable in Scripture that affirms or suggests God will bring people to glory while they are kicking all the way. If it is safety we want to talk about, then we are obliged to receive how God speaks on the subject. This series of devotions will expound that the Lord says on the matter.
The approach of the Spirit will be to fortify our faith, not clarify our obligation. This is not to be construed as a minimization of duty or a license for laxness. God forbid that such thoughts should be entertained by those in whose hearts the Holy Spirit has shed abroad the love of God (5:5). Without exception, those who seek a way to glory that places no demands upon them are "blind, and cannot see afar off" (2 Pet 1:9). If the Savior Himself was required to enter wholeheartedly into His work, it is utterly absurd to imagine we are not to enter energetically into ours.
We will see that God NEVER speaks of safety or keeping power to the indolent and unfaithful, the disobedient or the unbelieving – never! But He does speak of such matters to those who are in Christ, and love the Savior enough to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. If you are such a person, these devotions are for you. If you are not, then leave the ranks of the doubters and come into the fellowship of the faithful.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to never minimize what You have required of me, or pretend as though You are not serious in making demands of me. I know, Holy Father, that I can count on Your grace and protection when I am serious about Your salvation.