PUTTING ON CHRIST "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Romans 13:11-14, NKJV) Devotion 6 of 33 Thus far, I have dealt with the theme of the book of Romans – justification. Some of the unique phrases found in Romans have also been brought to your attention – phrases that have to do with the imputation, or reckoning, of righteousness to the individual. Also, I have dealt with the need for confidence and assurance to be present in any individual who determines to work out their own salvation with fear as trembling, as we are admonished to do (Phil 2:12). It has also been noted that there remains a tendency within man to find an excuse for not entering into the work of faith with zeal and commitment. It is easy for those who do not take the admonitions of Scripture seriously to find an excuse for slothfulness or spiritual retardation. – Tomorrow:
There are bodies of theology that affirm men are locked into salvation upon their acceptance of Christ. Such individuals are persuaded that justification is a state wholly unrelated to the faith and personal involvement of the individual. Such a position is dangerous, inducing spiritual slumber, or "the sleep of death" (Psa 13:3).
All of this is germane to the exposition of this passage. The exhortation that is placed before us is a summons to holy involvement in the matter of our own justification – putting on Christ. That involvement is NOT the basis, or foundation, of our acceptance, or of justification itself. It is, however, the outworking of it. It provides us with evidence that what we profess is true. To assume justification without the fruit of it is not merely a human supposition, it is a delusion.
The point being made in the latter chapters of Romans is this: justification from all things and the imputation of righteousness have an effect upon the believer. Spiritual life has certain characteristics. Being "made righteous" is not a mere technicality where we remain fundamentally the same, yet are accepted by God anyway – a view that is gaining popularity in this day of shallow religion and distorted theology.
There is an alarming prevalence of this kind of thinking in the professed Christian community. There is a general perception that Christians are basically like all other men, except they are forgiven. In fact, the statement is often made, "Christians are sinners, but they are forgiven." Others are wont to draw frequent parallels between those in Christ and the wayward Israelites. Still others compare those in Christ with the pre-Pentecostal disciples, who often were rebuked for their unbelief and obtuseness.
Because of the general deadness of the professed church, these views are taught and received as though they were true. Such persuasions deny the reality of the "new creation" (2 Cor 5:17), being "begotten again" (1 Pet 1:3), and receiving a "new heart" and "new spirit" (Ezek 36:26). They deny we have been "delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom" of God's "dear Son" (Col 1:13). These erroneous views contradict the proclamation that a fundamental change occurs in those who are justified, and to whom the righteousness of God is imputed.
There is a process going on within believers. They are being changed "from glory unto glory, even as by the Spirit of our God" (2 Cor 3:18). By means of God's "exceeding great and precious promises," we are brought to participate in the "Divine nature" (2 Pet 1:4). That participation is not assumed, but is said to come directly from the apprehension of the promises of God. Elsewhere the Spirit reminds us of the appointed means through which these promises are personally realized. "And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Heb 6:11-12).
To liken those involved in such a transformation to the stiff-necked Israelites is a betrayal of gross ignorance and thoughtlessness. In the context of such fallacious views, doctrines such as eternal security flourish. Furthermore, they also foster certain unacceptable attitudes including slothfulness, disinterest, despair, and contentment in the world.
However, such views cannot be espoused when consciously standing before the Lord Jesus Christ. They will vanish like scum in the brightness of His glory. One must be aloof from Jesus to adopt them. Faith will not allow such views to be embraced or proclaimed. They are the products of unbelief.
Further, it simply is not possible to "put on Christ" while entertaining such erroneous perceptions. This is because, while entertaining such views, such an activity is not seen as either essential or to be desired above all else. However, those who wear the name of Jesus do well to take this admonition seriously. I know of no Divine commitment for good to those who fail to "put on Christ," an activity that commences, but is not confined to, our baptism into Christ (Gal 3:27).
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ I thank You for providing for my involvement in Your great salvation. I can see You have made no provision for the exclusion of Yourself or myself, and I am grateful for it.