THE DETERMINED OBJECTIVE OF SALVATION SUFFERING, THEN GLORY The sufferings endured by the believer are the appointed prelude to glory. They range from the fierce inner conflict believers endure to the oppositions of sinful men, and other matters related to being in this present evil world. Because of the greatness of the glory that will be revealed "in us," these sufferings are unworthy to be compared with it. They are a small price to pay for the privilege of reigning with Jesus, and are to be so regarded. Men should not expect a great salvation at a small cost, or a marvelous future preceded by comfort and ease. As it is written, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Rom 8:18). -- Tomorrow:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." (Romans 8:28-34, NKJV)
Devotion 5 of 33
To assist us in our suffering, we are reminded that the whole creation is groaning in travail, eagerly anticipating "the manifestation of the sons of God." Presently, they are incognito, with no visible indication of their real identity. However, when they are unveiled at the appearing of Jesus, the whole creation will also be released from "the bondage of corruption." Redemption will affect everything just as surely as sin did! Again, it is written, "For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God . . . Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God" (Rom 8:19,21).
Now, those in Christ Jesus join the groans of travail, being burdened with the curse of mortality. As it is written, "And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body" (Rom 8:23).
The deep groanings of the believer extend beyond the perimeter of both human understanding and expression. For this reason, the Holy Spirit Himself comes along the side of us to assist us in bearing up under the present affliction. Sufferings have a way of depleting our spiritual resources, yet we do not know how to pray about such things, for the experience itself is not fully comprehended. Thus, the Spirit effectively "makes intercession for us." God, who is looking for groaning souls, knows how the Spirit thinks, and thus honors His faithful intercession for us. The outcome is that we receive what we need to survive this world and prepare for the next, even though we did not know how to pray about it (8:18-27).
Behold the progression of these thoughts. They are like the pinions of the flying eagle that mounts higher and higher, until it soars in lofty climes. If the saints of God are to survive this world, they must learn to fly high – to reason in the Spirit, and behold things from the heavenly point of view. Low and shallow thoughts do not serve God's purpose, even though carnal men cry out for the simplification of the things of God.
The Lord will not allow His children to grovel in the dust of simplicity. He calls them to "come up higher" (Rev 4:1; 11:12). As Solomon wisely said, "For it is better that he say to you, Come up here,' Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince" (Prov 25:7). Better to reason in higher realms.
Far better to soar in Romans than to crawl in hermeneutics, philosophy, and the wisdom of men. Determine in your heart to rise into the heavenlies where you have been placed in Jesus (Eph 2:6). When you are there, living by faith makes more sense, and you receive more power to do so. This is the manner of the book of Romans. We are now ready to consider our subject: The Determined Objective of Salvation.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for explaining why this world so chaffs against the spirits of Your children.