THE DETERMINED OBJECTIVE OF SALVATION Settle it in your mind that while falling away is possible, it is certainly not the norm of the -- 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 25 of 33
THIS IS THE NORM
Kingdom. Those who are "fallen from grace" (Gal 5:4) or "depart from the faith" (1 Tim 4:1),
have neglected the means of salvation. They have not maintained fellowship with Christ – a fellowship into which God called them (1 Cor 1:9). They have neither kept the faith nor fought the good fight of faith (2 Tim 4:7). They have not resisted the devil (James 4:7), and they have not put on the whole armor of God as they were admonished to do (Eph 6:10-18). They did not fall away because they were not accountable to some of their peers. Nor, indeed, did they fall away because someone neglected them. It is they themselves who have been neglectful, for when they were born again, God put them into Christ (1 Cor 1:30), raised them up, and made them to sit together with Christ in the heavenly places (Eph 2:7). They had access to God (Eph 3:12), were given the Holy Spirit (Gal 4:6), and were added to the church (Acts 2:47), in which Jesus has deposited His fulness (Eph 1:23).
Presently, the benefits of salvation are ALL held by faith. If faith is not maintained, all of the benefits are suddenly beyond our reach. You cannot command these benefits to come to you, or shout out some powerful words that will cause them to descend upon you. They are as near to you and as accessible to you as your faith – and not one whit more.
Now, when it comes to being glorified, glorification will remove the necessity of faith, at least as we know it. Until that time, however, faith is the fundamental thing. It is what enables you to obey, receive, and run with patience the race that is set before you.
As long as we live by faith, glorification is sure. It is appointed to follow justification. That justification is both obtained and maintained "by faith" (Rom 3:28; 5:1; Gal 2:16; 3:24). It is not possible to have faith without being justified. Equally true, it is not possible to be justified and not be glorified.
Jesus prayed for the glorification of those who had been given to Him by the Father. "Father, I desire that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am, in order that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou didst love Me before the foundation of the world" (John 17:24). John clarified that beholding Jesus as He is will result in us being "like Him" (1 John 3:2).
This appointed procedure is also proclaimed in Second Thessalonians. "For this purpose He called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2:14, NRSV ).
All of this is intended to confirm to our hearts the fulness and surety of salvation. As faith lays hold of this word, it will strengthen us to endure suffering in anticipation of being glorified. It is as sure as our calling and justification.
WHY IS SO LITTLE BEING SAID?
If God has called us to obtain glory, and if that is the appointed result of being justified, why is so little being said about glory these days? Why is such a stress being placed on "the affairs of this life," to the neglect of the coming glory? Why is the church being flooded with supposed experts in solving problems, rather than men who are able to assist men and women in preparing for glory? And why, with all of these experts, do we appear to have more problems than ever before? Why aren't these specialists more special?
Why do we hear so little about heaven – being glorified, and reigning with Jesus? Why are such things as the coming of Christ, the end of the world, and the day of judgment so rarely declared? Why does hope languish and faith wither? It is because the matters declared in this passage are perceived as having no real significance to the institutional program. They simply are not seen as relevant, and are thus neglected, and often despised. But let it be clear, there is absolutely no acceptable reason for preachers and teachers failing to apprize the people of the coming glory, and expounding the matter to them.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask that You raise up preachers and teachers who will declare Your Kingdom, Your purpose, and Your provisions to them.