EVIDENCE OF SALVATION
EVIDENCE OF SALVATION
For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned. Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. —Hebrews 6:7-12
The illustration in the above passage reveals two types of people— those who are following Jesus and those who are not. Those who are following Jesus “produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.” Those who are not following Jesus “bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.” The end result of each of these— those following Jesus are blessed and fruitful. Those not following Jesus are near to being cursed and fruitless. Which best describes you and me? May it be the blessed and fruitful.
The blessed and fruitful are what is expected because “in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.” Those following Jesus will surely be producing better things than worthless “thorns and thistles.” Indeed, those following Jesus will be about God’s work and be loving the saints as they serve them. As we earnestly live for Jesus we will have “full assurance of hope until the end.” This also will cause us “not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” So, brothers and sisters, fellow followers of Jesus, let us press on following Jesus and be faithful to Him to the end of life here!
Yes, Dear Father, may this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. May this be all for Your honor and glory. Yes, so may it be! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb8WZ2ND4BY